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Iowa Hawkeyes' Paint Struggles as Michigan State Spartans Dominate in East Lansing

The Iowa Hawkeyes faced a challenging outing against the Michigan State Spartans at the Jack Breslin Students Events Center, resulting in a 71-52 defeat. This game marked another setback for Iowa, bringing their record to 0-1, while the Spartans improved to 1-0.


Dec 2, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA;  Michigan State Spartans forward Coen Carr (55) gets fouled under the basket by Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images

First Half


The first half saw both teams grappling for control. The Hawks managed to keep pace early on with Tavion Banks contributing defensively with a block and Alvaro Folgueiras adding an assist and steal. However, despite these efforts, Iowa found themselves trailing by halftime with a score of 35-21. The Green and White capitalized on their opportunities inside the paint, scoring efficiently at a rate of 65 percent.


Second Half


In the second half, Iowa attempted to rally back but struggled offensively. Bennett Stirtz emerged as a key player for the Hawks with his team-high of 14 points and four assists. Despite his efforts and those from players like Kael Combs who added two steals alongside four points, Iowa's shooting woes continued as they converted only 38 percent of their field goal attempts overall.


Dec 2, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA;  Michigan State Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler (0) controls a second half rebound against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Michigan State maintained their momentum through effective ball movement leading to 13 assists throughout the game. Their bench also provided significant support by contributing 20 points which helped extend their lead further.


Post Game Analysis


A critical factor in this matchup was rebounding; Michigan State dominated this aspect with an impressive total of 37 rebounds compared to Iowa's mere tally of just over half that number at only eighteen rebounds collected during playtime - highlighting one area where improvement is needed moving forward into future contests such as when facing Maryland Terrapins next week back home again within Carver-Hawkeye Arena located right here locally within city limits itself!


Dec 2, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA;  Michigan State Spartans guard Denham Wojcik (10) gets fouled under the basket by Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images

Fans can catch all action live starting December sixth promptly scheduled around four o'clock Eastern Standard Time exclusively broadcasted via Fox Sports One network channel available nationwide across various platforms including cable satellite streaming services alike so be sure not miss out any exciting moments unfold firsthand yourself directly from comfort own living room couch chair wherever may find most convenient watch along together fellow supporters cheering loud proud united spirit behind beloved team every step way journey ahead lies before them now onward evermore!


For more insights into this game or upcoming matchups involving your favorite teams don't forget share article friends family social media networks help spread word far wide possible reach even greater audience eager learn latest happenings world sports today!

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