James Madison Pulls Off Upset Victory Over No. 4 Michigan State in Season Opener
James Madison Pulls Off Upset Victory Over No. 4 Michigan State in Season Opener
Michigan State’s Season Opener Ends in Stunning Overtime Loss to James Madison
Michigan State’s season opener didn’t go as planned. The No. 4 Spartans took an early lead but ultimately suffered a shocking 79–76 overtime loss at home to James Madison. Senior forward T.J. Bickerstaff led the Dukes with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while senior guard Terrence Edwards Jr. scored 24 points, including seven crucial points in overtime. Despite a chance to win in regulation, Michigan State’s Tyson Walker missed a game-winning floater. James Madison took control in overtime with a 3-pointer from Edwards, and the Spartans couldn’t recover. A tough start for a team with high hopes.
Michigan State’s Opening Night Struggles: A Lesson in Upset Strategies
Michigan State had a rough start, shooting just 1 of 20 from beyond the arc and 36.1% from the field. James Madison’s defenders left the Spartans open from long range, capitalizing on a daring strategy. The Spartans also faltered at the free-throw line, allowing JMU to capitalize on 23-of-23 attempts. Raekwon Horton’s late-game 3-pointer reduced JMU’s lead to 78–74, sealing an improbable opening night upset. The game served as a prime example of how strategic plays can topple even the biggest teams in college basketball, leaving the Spartans with a lesson learned.
James Madison’s Historic Win Over Michigan State: A 31-Year Wait
In a remarkable turn of events, James Madison University achieved its second victory against a ranked opponent in its history. The previous and solitary win against a Top 25 adversary occurred way back in 1992 when they defeated No. 19 California.
Michigan State’s Tyson Walker made valiant efforts to lead his team, emerging as the sole starter to achieve double figures in scoring. He notched an impressive game-high 35 points, in addition to contributing five rebounds, three assists, and six steals.
However, Walker, like his teammates, faced a shooting struggle, going 12 of 26 from the field, missing all five 3-point attempts, and managing an 11 of 17 free throw line performance. A missed free throw with just 38 seconds left in overtime cost his team a potential game-tying opportunity.
James Madison, while also grappling with field goal woes at 36.8%, did manage success from beyond the arc. Their 8 of 29 attempts (27.6%), including two crucial overtime 3-pointers, proved instrumental in their historic triumph.
James Madison Stuns Michigan State: Coach’s Nephew Plays Spoilsport
The Dukes displayed their dominance early, taking a commanding 20-7 lead and securing a 37-33 advantage at halftime. However, the Spartans made a fierce comeback, leading 68–64 after a layup by Walker with just 1:15 remaining. Unfortunately, Noah Friedel’s free throws and a clutch Bickerstaff jumper tied the game at 68, leading to an intense overtime showdown.
JMU’s astonishing victory allowed assistant coach Matt Bucklin to enjoy some well-deserved family bragging rights. As the nephew of Tom Izzo, head coach of Michigan State, and with his mother, Mary, being Izzo’s sister, the familial connections added extra drama to the thrilling encounter.
Despite the heart-wrenching loss, the Spartans had little time to dwell on it, with an upcoming matchup against Southern Indiana on the horizon, followed by an eagerly awaited showdown against No. 2 Duke on November 14.