© Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Michigan State basketball team secured a Big 10 win over rival Illinois on Saturday in East Lansing. Guard Jeremy Fears played a large role.
He scored 11 of the team’s final 14 points in an 85-82 overtime victory. He also made headlines for a potentially dirty play.
The officials reviewed this and said he didn’t do it on purpose. Izzo should be ashamed he’s letting this happen. pic.twitter.com/s5JlNyuzXG
— Brandon Wildman (@brandon_wildman) February 8, 2026
A review stopped play to determine intent after Illini forward David Mirkovic tripped over Fears’ foot while running down the court.
Some believed the play was malicious. Others said it was incidental. Referees eventually ruled in Michigan State’s favor.
In most cases, this play probably wouldn’t have gotten much traction. Unfortunately, it continued a trend.
Jeremy Fears can’t stop tripping people.
He made waves during a game against Michigan for a trip on Yaxel Lendeborg. Wolverines coach Dusty May believed it was intentional.
“Appeared?” he responded when asked about the play. “It wasn’t an illusion… I think there were several plays that were very dangerous… they’re not isolated incidents.”
May publicly called the Spartans out. Jeremy Fears’ issues continued into the next game.
The guard was seen on multiple occasions tripping opponents during a game vs. Minnesota. Tom Izzo refused to take accountability.
After half-heartedly threatening to bench Fears for the antics, the coach once again placed the veteran in his starting lineup on Saturday.
Fears was again scrutinized for potentially dirty play.
The Spartans valued the final result over all else. In the end, it worked in their favor.
Michigan State beat Illinois.
“He [Jeremy Fears Jr.] proved his colors, and that’s why his coach has faith in him.”
Steve Smith spoke with @MSU_Basketball HC Tom Izzo after the Spartans’ HUGE overtime win against No. 5 Illinois. pic.twitter.com/QDwnyuUsY9
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 8, 2026
The Spartans trailed for a large portion of Saturday’s contest. They overcame a late deficit to force overtime. In the extra session, Jeremy Fears scored 11 of his 26 points.
Michigan State won the game. Tom Izzo was asked about Fears after the fact. He, again, refused to place blame on his star player.
Tom Izzo was asked of the unsuccessful appeal of Jeremy Fears’ potential “trip”
“If he breathes on somebody now, there’s gonna be a call. Thanks to what happened.”
“End of that story, ask me another question.”
🎥 @TheSpartanMag pic.twitter.com/xeb17TevtS
— Michigan State Content (@msucontent) February 8, 2026
Fears will continue to be put under the spotlight given the history of tripping. Similar incidents will be viewed negatively. With that said, it does not appear his playing time will be impacted.
The guard shined in his most recent outing despite controversy. In doing so, he helped the Spartans end a two-game losing skid.