Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler, center, celebrates with teammate guard Divine Ugochukwu against East Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 in Ft. Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
November 25, 2025 - 10:59 AM
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Jaxon Kohler and Divine Ugochukwu each scored 16 points to lead No. 11 Michigan State's balanced attack as the Spartans beat East Carolina 89-56 in the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Tuesday.
Michigan State, which entered the game with four players averaging double-figure points, also got 13 from Coen Carr and 10 from Carson Cooper.
The Spartans (6-0) had 36 points in the paint, 35 points from its reserves and 31 points off 24 East Carolina turnovers.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo began clearing his bench with three minutes left.
The Spartans were tied with East Carolina 9-9 with 13:29 left in the first half. They then went on a 14-2 spurt with Kohler’s 3-pointers starting and ending the run. The lead kept building with Michigan State ahead 47-24 at halftime.
The electric Carr, who had three of ESPN’s top three highlights in a win against San Jose, seemed to come down from the rafters as he took Jeremy Fears Jr.’s alley-oop pass and dunked it home to put Michigan State up 61-30.
Jordan Riley, who came in averaging more than 18 points, led East Carolina (2-4) with 13 points. Corey Caulker added 11 points.
The Pirates hung tough on the boards with Michigan State, having just four less rebounds (38-34).
Up next
Michigan State plays North Carolina on Thursday In the Fort Myers Tip-Off.
East Carolina plays St. Bonaventure on Thursday In the Fort Myers Tip-Off.
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