Michigan State basketball secured a commanding 89-59 victory over Incarnate Word during a preseason matchup on October 2, 2026. The game, held at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, served as the first of three exhibition contests for the Spartans.
Jesse McCulloch's 20-point career high
The standout performer of the evening was Jesse McCulloch, who scored 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting. According to the report, this mark represents a significant personal milestone for McCulloch, whose previous official career high at Michigan State was just nine points. In addition to his scoring, McCulloch contributed five assists, one block, and two steals over 21 minutes of play, resulting in a plus-36 efficiency rating.
McCulloch's impact was immediate, highlighted by a sequence in the opening minute where he maintained possession by throwing the ball off an opponent while falling out of bounds. He followed this with a three-pointer and an and-one play before the first media timeout. Coach Tom Izzo noted that McCulloch's performance is an encouraging sign for his development, suggesting that his role as a starter could become permanent if he maintains this level of play during practice and upcoming games.
The 7-foot-1 passing potential of Ethan Taylor
While not yet a polished offensive threat, 7-foot-1 center Ethan Taylor showed flashes of a high ceiling through his distribution skills. As reported, Taylor lacks elite quickness and the ability to stretch the floor, but his instincts as a distributor from the free-throw line were a highlight of the game. He recorded several assists by scanning the floor for open shooters, a role the Michigan State Spartans expect him to fill frequently.
Beyond his passing, Ethan Taylor performed the fundamental duties expected of a player of his stature, securing rebounds and recording an imprsesive block in the first half. His unofficial debut suggests that while he may not be the primary scorer, his ability to facilitate the offense from the interior adds a strategic dimension to the team's frontcourt.
Jordan Scott's NBA draft trajectory and 4-of-6 three-point shooting
Jordan Scott continued to establish himself as a premiere perimeter threat, finishing the game with 16 points. scott was particularly lethal from beyond the arc, shooting 4-of-6 from three-point range and 6-for-8 overall. He also contributed five rebounds, a block, and two steals, ending the night with a plus-38 rating.
The improvement in Scott's game is most evident in his shooting mechanics; he appears to have a quicker release this year without sacrificing the accuracy that saw him shoot 42.6% from three against Big Ten opponents last season. Given this trajectory, Scott is increasingly likely to appear on NBA mock drafts and professional rankings as the season progresses.
The UConn and Marquette tests awaiting the Spartans
While the win over Incarnate Word was decisive, it represents only the first step in a three-game preseason schedule designed to test the roster's depth. The Michigan State Spartans are scheduled to host UConn on October 20 at 7 p.m. eT, followed by a matchup against Marquette on October 25. These games will provide a far more accurate barometer of the team's readiness than the Friday contest, which was played before a crowd of Izzone members and season ticket holders that filled roughly two-thirds of the arena.
Why Anton Bonke struggled to find his rhythm
Despite the overall success of the big men, there are lingering questions regarding starting center Anton Bonke . While McCulloch and Taylor excelled, the report indicates that Bonke could have been a more significant facor in the 89-59 victory. It remains unclear whether Bonke's lack of impact was a result of the opponent's defensive scheme or a sign of early-season rust.
Furthermore, because the game was played against a non-elite opponent, it is yet to be seen if Jesse McCulloch's efficiency will translate against the high-level defenses of UConn and Marquette. The Spartans must determine if this breakout was a product of the matchup or a genuine leap in skill.
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