Against shifting defenses and early friction, the Spartans stayed poised and let answers come in victory over Oregon

Tuesday night in Eugene, Oregon, Michigan State won by staying connected — to the work, to the game plan, and to each other — through stretches that were awkward and uncomfortable.

The shots weren't falling, the possessions were dragged out and then forced — three or four shot clock violations in the first half alone — and the rhythm was not always smooth. But when the game drifted toward chaos, Michigan State never really let itself get dragged in that direction. It steadied the ship before the game got away.

For Trey Fort, that steadiness showed up in moments when it was his turn. He did not force the night. But he stayed ready for when he was needed.

Subscribe to Spartans Illustrated to hear what Trey Fort, Carson Cooper, and Jeremy Fears had to say in the locker room after the game.