EAST LANSING, Mich. — In a matchup on Tuesday night, Jaden Akins showcased his scoring ability with 25 points, leading Michigan State to a victorious 83-75 finish against Samford. However, the game took a concerning turn when freshman Jace Richardson had to exit late due to a left ankle injury.

Richardson, who is the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, contributed 12 points before leaving the court in the closing minute. He was assisted to the bench, where training staff promptly provided ice to manage the injury.

Throughout the second half, the Spartans maintained a steady lead, reaching an advantage of 13 points at one stage, leading 74-61 with just 4:37 remaining. Samford, however, pushed back, led by Josh Holloway, who scored eight points during a crucial 12-5 run, bringing the score to 79-73 with only 31 seconds left on the clock. Michigan State ultimately secured the victory from the free-throw line.

Akins displayed an impressive offensive performance, hitting 10 of 15 shots from the field, including making 3 of 7 from beyond the arc. Frankie Fidler also made a solid contribution with 12 points, while Szymon Zapala added another 10 for the Spartans, who improved to a 4-1 record this season. Michigan State’s shooting efficiency was commendable at 51% (28 of 55), and they capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, making 20 of 23 attempts (87%). The Spartans also took advantage of Samford’s 19 turnovers, converting them into 27 points.

For Samford (who now stands at 4-2), Jaden Brownell was a standout player, leading the Bulldogs with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including three 3-pointers. Josh Holloway finished the night with 14 points, while Lukas Walls contributed 12 points to the team’s effort.

The game began with an early 21-8 run by Samford, but Michigan State quickly responded with an impressive 30-7 run to take a 38-28 lead into halftime. Akins was particularly impactful in the first half, contributing 13 points to help his team gain the momentum they needed.