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Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, August 22, 2024 ~ Michigan State Basketball spent the last week before the school year traveling around Spain, playing against the country’s best competition in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
In game one, the Spartans took a seven point win over the Madrid All Stars. Sophomore forward Xavier Booker stood out, playing very aggressively. The former five star showed off his three level scoring ability, which is a welcome sight for the team who is looking for a big second year from the 6-11 big man.
Valencia played home to MSU’s biggest win of the trip, blowing out their All Stars 105-59. Sophomore forward Coen Carr’s explosiveness was on full display, throwing down multiple dunks in transition. Junior transfer forward Frankie Fidler also made his mark in his second exhibition game as a Spartan, knocking down long range shots. The sharp shooter averaged over 20 points at Omaha last season.
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Win #2 in Spain 🇪🇸 📽️ pic.twitter.com/CqH600Otle
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) August 18, 2024
(CONTINUED) Even though game three saw Michigan State’s highest scoring performance, they fell to KK FMP by five points in Barcelona, 115-110. Leadership from senior Jaden Akins was apparent, helping his team mount a double digit comeback, although the effort resulted in a loss against the Serbian professionals. Akins veteran presence will be huge after losing multiple seniors over the offseason while integrating the underclassmen into the rotation.
As the school year ramps up, so will practices until the Spartans will kick off their season against Monmouth on Nov. 4.
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