“Both of my freshmen played really well,”MSU head coach Tom Izzo said. “When you look at their stats, they both did a heck of a job in a big time environment. I was proud of both of them. [Todays game] was a building block for Cam Ward, and it was a building block for Jordan Scott.”

Contributions by the Spartan freshmen are nothing new. Forward Cam Ward has been an interior presence that teams have struggled to adjust to, and despite a hand injury that delayed his development, he has been a consistent contributor who’s given MSU meaningful minutes on the court. Like Ward, guard Jordan Scott has made a similar impact, playing with resounding energy and defensive aggression. As of late, he’s been so reliable that he has earned a starting role at the two spot.

Against Illinois, Ward and Scott made the difference between victory and defeat. They were defensive weapons, reliable options on offense and played with a passion that fit the energy of the building. 

It began early. With 16:55 in the first half, Scott took an elbow to the head while going for a loose ball. Immediately following, he was removed from the game and taken to the locker room with a towel over his face. Izzo would state after the game that Scott suffered a cut over his right eye and received surgical glue to close the wound. Three minutes following Scott’s departure, he returned to the game where he made his presence felt, hitting a jump shot seconds after he subbed in. 

For the remainder of the game, Scott played with a white bandage just above his right eye. It served as a testament to the energy and grit he played with; he never showed fatigue, he laid his body on the line for loose balls, he was a consistent scorer and played his best defensive game of the year. 

Scott’s primary assignment for much of the game was Illinois guard Keaton Wagler — an offensive machine who averages 18.1 points per game and once scored 46 against a ranked Purdue squad. Against Scott and the Spartans, the likely Big Ten Freshman of the Year was effectively shut down. Wagler struggled to find driving lanes and couldn’t get going from beyond the arc, finishing just 2-for-16 from the field.

Scott played a big role in these missed shots. He stuck to Wagler’s hip, contested shots and was a presence that the Illinois freshman couldn’t handle. To finish the game, the Fighting Illini’s best player would end up scoring 16 points, most of which came in late game scenarios. 

“We did what we had to do, and that was contain Wagler,” Izzo said. “Scott did a very good job on [Wagler]. And what [made that happen] is he has a sense of urgency. That’s why I ended up starting him, because of his sense of urgency. This kid has really defended. He gets loose balls. He’s making shots.”

Scott’s defense and his hustle played dividends. So did his offense. Midway through the second half, Scott hit a three point shot to tie the game and made two free throws with 1:49 in the second half to cut the game to one point. He would finish going 3-for-6 from the field with ten points and four rebounds. 

While Ward didn’t wear the white bandage above his eye for the entire game, he played just as hard — just as physical and just as consistent. He was a strong presence in the paint and, despite Illinois’ height and length, defended effectively and scored with consistency.

There were several instances in which one of the 7-foot-2 Croatian twins —juniors Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic —matched up against the smaller, younger Ward. Despite the differences in size and age, Ward never backed down, using his physical frame to bump bodies, contest shots, and create open looks while also drawing shooting fouls.

His play tonight was highlighted by an early first half dunk over Zvonimir Ivisic. It was a play that signified the type of game he'd have, and a play that ignited the crowd and gave MSU momentum. 

Ward would finish going 3-for-4 from the field with eight points and seven rebounds. It was his best game since his 16 point performance against ranked Arkansas.  

“Jordan Scott did a heck of a job, and let me tell you, so did Cam Ward,” Izzo said. “I felt as good for Cam Ward as I do anybody. Ward brought energy and is a phenomenal defender. I think if anybody needed a game like this, it was him.”

Sophomore guard Jeremy Fears and senior forward Jaxon Kohler may grab the headlines from this victory—after a week filled with criticism, doubt, and questions, the duo played well enough to silence it all. Fears finished with 26 points, including 11 in overtime, along with 15 assists, while Kohler added 11 points and 16 rebounds. Those accolades are rightfully earned, but recognition should also be given to Ward and Scott, the two freshmen who have quietly kept MSU basketball afloat this season.

One year ago, Michigan State basketball ended its midseason slump against Illinois. On Saturday, history repeated itself, this time with the consistent play of two freshmen. With MSU back on track following its 85-82 victory against Illinois, the Spartans will head on the road to face Wisconsin on Friday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m.