After losing so much production from the previous season, Michigan State had a chance to take a step back in the 2025-26 campaign. However, as with any team coached by Tom Izzo, the Spartans are once again a national contender, ranked in the top-20 and already having a signature win, 69-66 over Arkansas to open the year.
Up next for Michigan State (3-0) is the annual Champions Classic, with the Kentucky Wildcats (2-1) as their opponent on Tuesday night’s double-header. Although they’re still dealing with injuries, this SEC juggernaut still has a chance to get the win.
Here are three keys to the Spartans getting another ranked win.
1. Take advantage of no JQ or Lowe
🚨 UPDATE: Mark Pope on Jaland Lowe’s shoulder injury:
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) November 15, 2025
“We don’t have anything yet… we’ll have a bevy of second and third opinions… the whole medical team, mom and dad, Jaland, and me will sit down and have a real conversation about what’s the best thing to do moving… pic.twitter.com/CJAhc1mwcQ
The previously mentioned injuries Kentucky is dealing with include two starters. Jayden Quaintance, the elite big man from Arizona State, is out after recovering from a torn ACL. The recent news is that Jaland Lowe, the transfer from Pittsburgh, is likely out after re-injuring his shoulder.
The backup situations at both positions have been in question, with Kentucky playing several big men minutes at the five-spot, while not having a true ball-handler to take over for Lowe, assuming he’s out for Tuesday’s game. The Spartans will have the advantage at each spot, having sophomore guard Jeremy Fears (11 ppg and 9.3 apg) along with center Jaxon Kohler, already off to a strong start with 14.3 ppg and 13.3 rpg, ranking one of the top in the nation.
2. Keep Otega Oweh in check
Kentucky has five double-digit scorers right now. But the one with the biggest reputation is Oweh, last year’s leading scorer and All-SEC performer. This year’s preseason SEC POYs numbers are slightly down (13 ppg on 25% 3PT), but he’s more than capable of going off in any game. The Spartans will need to make sure this isn’t his breakout game.
3. Make at least 7 three-pointers
Michigan State made the Elite 8 and won the Big Ten last year, despite being a relatively poor three-point shooting unit. So far this year, they’ve managed to be even worse, ranked 362nd in the nation at under 22% shooting from deep, making just over four a game. Meanwhile, Kentucky makes around 10 a game at 34%.
The Spartans probably won’t win the three-point battle, but against a team with size and athletes like Kentucky, it won't be easy to get baskets inside the arc. Making some shots from deep will go a long way toward getting Michigan State the victory.