The Spartans (8-0, 1-0 Big Ten) will play No. 4 Duke at home on Saturday.
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Michigan State is off to its best start in a decade and has three wins against AP Top 25 teams: North Carolina, Kentucky and Arkansas.
The Hawkeyes (7-1, 0-1) were undefeated under first-year coach Ben McCollum until they ran into one of the best teams in college basketball.
Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz, who averaged nearly 19 points per game, was held to four points in the first half and finished with 14 on 4-of-10 shooting. None of his teammates scored more than seven points and the Hawkeyes combined to shoot 38% from the field.
Michigan State’s Jaxon Kohler recorded his second straight double-double and his fourth this season, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
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The Spartans scored 13 straight points midway through the first half, starting with Fears making two free throws and finishing with his jumper that put them ahead 25-10.
Michigan State led 35-21 at halftime, holding the Hawkeyes to 33% shooting.
Iowa had more turnovers (nine) than shots (seven) early in the second half, hurting its chances of competing against the defending Big Ten champions.
The Spartans made half of their shots and made 22 of 25 free throws, giving them an 11-point lead at the line.
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Michigan State hosts the Blue Devils and Iowa hosts Maryland on Saturday.