Late in the second half, Arkansas went on an 8-0 run to tie the game for the first time in the period. MSU didn’t panic, taking each possession one at a time and ultimately pulling out a win that could prove key to its tournament resume.

It was a grind in the waning minutes. MSU stuck with its brand of basketball, crashed the glass, and got fouled in a game where only 1 of 14 three-pointers fell. The team’s cohesion, from the seniors to the freshmen, catapulted them to a hard-fought win.

Head coach Tom Izzo said he was proud of the way his team fought when things came to an end.

"We did enough things to find a way to win," Izzo said. "I don't think winning is at the top of many people's lists. Tonight proved it was at the top of Michigan State's list."

Facing two five-star Arkansas freshmen — Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas — Ward had his work cut out for him. He responded by playing as the most physical player on the court. In true Spartan fashion, intensity was a point of emphasis throughout. After the game, Ward said he has the confidence to compete at this level all season.

"I think I proved it tonight that I'm better than the majority of freshmen in the country, and I can make an impact early," Ward said. "Not slating anybody, but I’m definitely making it known that I'm somebody that they need to watch out for going forward."

Three Spartans found double digits, as the team grabbed 18 offensive rebounds, often 2 or three at a time. After Ward’s 18 points, Coen Carr had 15 and Jaxon Kohler scored 10.

Facing one of the nation’s best teams in transition, MSU needed to find ways to score in the halfcourt, and they did. Ward in the dunker spot, Carr on the drive and Cooper in the post were just a few of the different ways the team was able to score. 

Sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. didn’t see a single shot of his fall, but made an impact early and often in every other aspect. He brought an intensity to the game that not only his team fed off of, but the fans, too. Fears totaled four points, nine assists and three rebounds. 

In the second half, it was obvious Fears and Arkansas’ Trevon Brazile didn’t take kindly to each other. The two continuously exchanged words and got in each other’s faces long after whistles. The pair were chippy throughout, Brazile picking up four fouls, to Fears’ three. 

The pair of veterans mirrored what was a war in every phase of the game. Afterwards, Fears said, "It’s just basketball."

Instead of playing into the tension, Fears focused on how he could better his team on a day when his own shots weren’t falling.

"Most people call me ‘Fears the Floor General’. I know my best aspect is getting other shots, running a team and being a leader," Fears said. "So as long as I feel like I'm doing that, the points and all of that stuff is extra."

Ward played with authority in the paint. Since before the season started, Izzo has stressed how surprising the pair of freshmen, Ward and Jordan Scott, has been. Tonight, they combined for 24 points and 17 boards.

It was a raucous atmosphere for the Spartans' first home game versus a ranked non-conference opponent since 2019. After timeouts big scores, Fears and MSU fed the crowd, telling them to get loud, and that they did. 

In his 37-year coaching career, Hall of Famer John Calipari had never visited Michigan State before Tuesday. After the game, he said he was impressed by the Breslin Center and the energy of the crowd.

"I can see why Tommy (Izzo) stayed here at this building, this is a great building," Calipari said. "The fans, having the students all around the lower area, make it a good place to play."

MSU will have its next test against San José State on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in East Lansing.