Kohler scored 13 points with just four rebounds but showed his value in the little things. In the Spartans’ largest victory of the season, he contributed in every way. He was a wall on defense, a force in the paint and consistently scrappy in transition.

In a game where MSU was never seriously threatened, the team excelled in some areas and lagged in others. MSU’s starters were perfect from the free-throw line, recorded 18 assists on 28 field goals and forced 15 turnovers.

After the game, head coach Tom Izzo said the team still has a lot to work on to reach its potential, but for now, he’s glad they came out with a win.

"We're still not consistent enough for me," Izzo said. "I just didn't think we played as good as we can play."

In the win, there were still several issues that needed to be addressed. At the top of the list was the shooting guard spot, manned by sophomore Kur Teng and senior Trey Fort. The pair didn’t produce much, shooting a combined 2-for-11 from the field with just one three-pointer. Even though it didn’t affect the outcome, their defense was slow and they failed to close out consistently on the perimeter.

"I was more disappointed that our two-guards didn't guard anybody," Izzo said. "I don't put pressure on them about their shooting, that's a myth. I put pressure on them about how hard they play, how hard they run, how much effort they give and how much passion they play with."

Beyond Kohler, MSU built on its successes from the Champions Classic. The first half showed the best of MSU; Coen Carr was hitting threes, Fears was surgical with his assists and the team moved in transition. Even in a 28-point win, though, the consistency wasn’t there. 

Carr netted 13 points, shooting 2-for-3 from deep. In the teams’ final four games last year, Carr shot 12-for-13 from beyond the arc. Tonight, he showed a glimpse of that potential with a confident follow-through. 

Carr’s biggest drawback remains his tendency to be overaggressive at times in the half-court offense. He often forces shots in difficult situations and drives to the basket when lanes aren’t there. The growth is certainly evident, though. Throughout the offseason, Izzo has praised the junior forward for his improved basketball IQ and passing — progress that has shown through in the first five games.

After the game, Carr said that consistency will come, and it’s just a matter of more experience before the team plays at its best every game. 

"I feel like it's gonna grow with time, but I feel like you have to work at it too," Carr said. "So I feel like we're definitely gonna be working on it every day. We gotta do one thing better every day, and take steps for us every day."

For the rest of the year, Carr will have the ability to make the SportsCenter Top-10 any given night with above-the-rim slams. For this year's team, his value will come in other areas. As a consistent starter, Carr must add depth to MSU’s half court offense, whether that be in the pick-and-roll or catch-and-shoot, which he’s shown promise in so far.

Team assist leader, Jeremy Fears Jr., set a career high in points with 18, leading the team, while contributing another 11 helpers. The sophomore point guard averages a double-double with 11.8 points and 10.4 assists. 

As the team grows through the season, MSU’s ability to not play down to its opponents will be paramount if it is to succeed past March.

MSU tips next against Eastern Carolina in the Fort Meryers Classic on Tuesday, Nov 25 at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.