Spartans Survive Razorbacks’ Late Surge in Early-Season Showdown
The Breslin Center was electric Saturday night as the No. 22 Michigan State Spartans edged out the No. 14 Arkansas Razorbacks 69-66 in a nail-biting men’s college basketball clash that showcased two of the nation’s most promising young squads.
Freshman Cam Ward Steals the Spotlight
Michigan State’s freshman forward
Cam Ward delivered a breakout performance, pouring in 18 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds in just his second collegiate game. Junior Coen Carr added 15 points and seven boards, providing the Spartans with a crucial inside presence.
Despite a cold stretch in the final six minutes—MSU didn’t make a field goal in that span—the Spartans clung to their lead with gritty defense and clutch free throws. Arkansas, meanwhile, mounted a furious 8-0 run to tie the game at 66 with under two minutes left, but Michigan State responded by sinking three consecutive free throws to regain the edge.
Razorbacks’ Rally Comes Up Just Short
Arkansas’ comeback was fueled by
freshman guards Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, who each scored 16 points. The Razorbacks trailed by eight with just over five minutes remaining but clawed back to even the score, only to see senior forward Trevon Brazile miss a potential game-tying three-pointer in the closing seconds.
The Hogs struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just
25% (7-of-28), while Michigan State was even colder at
7.1% (1-of-14) from deep. The difference came inside, where the Spartans dominated the glass (45-33 rebounding edge) and outscored Arkansas 46-28 in the paint.
What This Means for Both Teams
This early-season thriller gave both teams a taste of high-pressure basketball and highlighted the impact of their talented freshmen. For Michigan State, the win is a significant résumé booster and a testament to Tom Izzo’s ability to get the most out of his young roster. The Spartans now look ahead to a matchup with San Jose State on November 13.
For Arkansas, the narrow loss stings but offers valuable lessons. The Razorbacks showed resilience and depth, but will need to address their perimeter shooting and rebounding if they hope to contend in the loaded SEC.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Stat | Arkansas | Michigan State |
|---------------------|------------------|------------------|
| Points | 66 | 69 |
| FG % |
39.3% (22-56) |
41% (25-61) |
| 3PT % | 25% (7-28) | 7.1% (1-14) |
| Rebounds | 33 | 45 |
| Points in the Paint | 28 | 46 |
Takeaways and What’s Next
-
Cam Ward’s emergence gives Michigan State a new weapon in the paint.
-
Arkansas’ late-game fight shows promise, but shooting woes remain a concern.
- Both teams look like early contenders in their respective conferences, with plenty of room to grow.
Fans can expect these squads to be in the national conversation all season—and if Saturday night was any indication, both have the talent and toughness to make deep postseason runs.
Sources
1. Three takeaways from Arkansas basketball's first loss of the season to Michigan State
2. Mississippi State 38, Arkansas 35: Live updates, scores, results, highlights
3. Cam Ward powers Michigan State basketball inside to win over No. 15 Arkansas
4. No. 22 Michigan State Takes Down No. 14 Arkansas in Thriller
5. Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State basketball's 69-66 win over Arkansas
6. What they were saying during Arkansas' 69-66 loss to Michigan State
7. No. 14 Hogs tie it late with final surge but fall to No. 22 Spartans
8. Arkansas vs. Michigan State | Highlights | Big Ten Basketball | 11/08/25
9. Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo on 69-66 win over No. 14 ...
10. Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Michigan St. Spartans Live Score and Stats
11. MBB Preview: Arkansas at Michigan State
12. Mississippi State rallies from 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Arkansas 38-35
13. No. 14 Arkansas Razorbacks vs. No. 22 Michigan State | FOX College Hoops
14. Michigan State 69-66 Arkansas (Nov 8, 2025) Final Score - ESPN
15. Mississippi State 38-35 Arkansas (Nov 1, 2025) Final Score - ESPN
