Michigan St. drops opener to JMU, as Tom Izzo loses to nephew
Bucklin is an assistant for the Dukes, and his mother, Mary, is Izzo’s sister. Izzo booked James Madison for the Spartans’ season opener in part because of his nephew’s role with the team.
But Michigan State, a 16.5-point favorite per ESPN BET, finished 1-for-20 from the 3-point line.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Michigan State is the first Associated Press top-five team to lose its season opener at home against an unranked opponent since Kentucky lost at home to Western Kentucky in 2001. Izzo entered the game with a 21-7 record in season openers, as per Michigan State.
And the Spartans had not lost a home game in November since David Robinson, the Basketball Hall of Famer who starred for the San Antonio Spurs, led Navy to a 91-90 overtime win in 1986.
James Madison coach Mark Byington said his team was resilient throughout the matchup.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Byington said on Big Ten Network after the win. “It was our first game and we’re playing against one of the best teams in the country, one of the best environments in the country. And I was proud of our guys. … They just never gave in.”
For Michigan State, Tyson Walker scored 35 points on a 12-for-26 shooting night. The rest of the roster, however, finished 14-for-46.
Terrence Edwards Jr. led James Madison with 24 points.
Two of James Madison’s starters, Noah Freidel and Julien Wooden, fouled out late, but the Dukes turned to their bench to seal the win.
“Some of our more dependable, trustworthy guys got into foul trouble,” Byington said. “Everybody, when they came in, they were able to step up. They were able to make plays.”