The NCAA basketball season opener saw a surprise defeat as the James Madison Dukes handed the loss to the Michigan State Spartans with a 76-79 score.
Michigan State is the first AP top-5 team to lose its season opener against an unranked opponent since … Michigan State against Hawai'i in 2005. pic.twitter.com/cfXy5vgyZw
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 7, 2023
According to ESPN Stats and Info, “Michigan State is the first AP top-5 team to lose its season opener against an unranked opponent since … Michigan State against Hawai’i in 2005.”
There were few seconds left in overtime when JMU player Raekwon Horton made a three-pointer and T.J. Bickerstaff successfully sealed their victory with one of his free throws in the next play.
On the JMU side, T.J. Bickerstaff scored 21 points and Terrence Edwards Jr. posted a team-high 24 points. Tyson Walker from the Michigan State Spartans scored an impressive 35 points and six steals.
Uncle vs Nephew – Coaching college basketball is in their DNA @MSU_Basketball's Tom Izzo and @JMUMBasketball's Matt Bucklin are going head-to-head tonight 🤝 pic.twitter.com/YV7eyG18Oz
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) November 7, 2023
James Madison University:
🐶 Upset No. 4 Michigan State in men's basketball season opener for second-ranked win in program history
🐶 9-0 in football, one of seven undefeated FBS programs
A great time to be a JMU Duke. pic.twitter.com/xRX5YGhuUp
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 7, 2023
JAMES MADISON STUNS NO. 4 MICHIGAN STATE pic.twitter.com/ajyb4hxtzl
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) November 7, 2023
Michigan State will face South Indiana Screaming Eagles and then No. 2 Duke, whereas the victorious JMU will face Kent State Golden Flashes and then the Howard Bison.
