Biggest Riser and Faller After MSU Basketball’s Win Over Quinnipiac

Medlock makes an immediate impact

Carlos Medlock Jr. made a strong first impression in his official debut, coming off the bench to score nine points and add two assists in four minutes. His first college possession ended with a stepback three-pointer.

The freshman’s showing offered MSU a promising option at backup point guard, a role the team struggled to fill consistently last season. Medlock had been less effective in three exhibition games, but his shots fell against Quinnipiac.

He did miss all four free throws, including three during one trip to the line. Still, the performance suggested he could provide a meaningful offensive spark, even if he cannot reproduce it every game.

Taylor faces crowded center competition

Ethan Taylor was expected to take on more minutes with Jesse McCulloch out because of a minor concussion, but he made little impact in his debut. The freshman remains a potential contributor, though he may need a month or two to settle in.

The center rotation remains a major question for MSU during the non-conference schedule. Anton Bonke recorded 11 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks against Quinnipiac after struggling in the exhibitions.

Taylor had generally outplayed Bonke in those exhibition games, but Bonke came out ahead in this first regular-season matchup. The article describes Taylor’s ceiling for the season as high while noting that he is still raw.

Spartans begin with a rout

MSU dominated the first half on Monday and finished with a 96-59 victory over Quinnipiac. The sixth-ranked Spartans opened their 2026-27 campaign at 1-0. All 11 available scholarship players entered the game. Michigan State’s next matchup is against Toledo on Thursday.