Michigan State struggled to make shots, get stops, and rebound Sunday as Marquette handed the Spartans their second consecutive exhibition loss, 86-79, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
After falling 78-70 to No. 4 UConn on Tuesday, the Spartans closed their preseason schedule with another uneven performance.
MSU led 9-6 early before its offense stalled, going more than seven minutes without a field goal. The Spartans shot just 25.9% from the field in the first half as Marquette built a 43-31 halftime lead.
Marquette freshman Alex Egbuonu helped the Golden Eagles pull ahead, making all three of his first-half 3-point attempts. MSU freshman Jasiah Jervis provided an offensive spark with two first-half 3-pointers, but the Spartans struggled to keep pace.
In the second half, MSU used an 11-0 run to cut a 16-point deficit to 52-47 with 12:42 remaining. Adrien Stevens answered with a 3-pointer to end the run, then hit another later as Marquette rebuilt its cushion.
The Spartans continued playing catch-up and pulled within 80-73 on a Jervis 3-pointer with 1:13 left, but they could not complete the comeback.
Jervis finished with a game-high 19 points, shooting 4 of 6 from 3-point range. Jordan Scott and Jeremy Fears Jr. each added 18 points.
Scott contributed four blocks and three steals. Fears did not make his first field goal until 15:57 remained in the second half, but he made an impact at the free-throw line, going 12 of 14. He also finished with seven assists and six turnovers.
Coen Carr added 11 points, while the rest of the roster combined for 13.
Despite committing 24 turnovers, Marquette shot 57.4% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. The Golden Eagles also outrebounded MSU 33-23.
The Spartans shot 39.6% from the field, including 9 of 25 from beyond the arc. Both teams spent considerable time at the free-throw line, with MSU making 28 of 37 attempts and Marquette finishing 23 of 33.
The exhibition finale leaves coach Tom Izzo with defensive and rebounding issues to address before the regular season. MSU finished its three-game exhibition schedule 1-2, beating Incarnate Word before falling to UConn and Marquette.
The Spartans open the regular season against Quinnipiac on Nov. 2 at the Breslin Center.
