Jaden Akins injury update: What did Tom Izzo say about Michigan State guard's injury against Florida Atlantic?
Tom Izzo breathed a huge sigh of relief after Jaden Akins appeared to escape serious injury in the No. 20 Michigan State Spartans' 86-69 win over the Florida Atlantic Owls on Saturday at the Breslin Center. Akins went down in the closing minutes of the contest after taking a shot to the face.
Izzo didn't notice it at first, wondering if his star player hurt his shoulder as he was helped to his feet. The Michigan State coach was asked about Akins' condition in the postgame press conference, with Izzo easing the fans' concerns with his injury update.
“I thought he got his shoulder, so I was worried about that,” Izzo said. But he got poked in the eye too, so that was the reason. It doesn’t seem to be anything. He was good, eye a little red.” (Timestamp 10:57)
Izzo later joked about Akins possibly missing some time because of his eye injury.
"At least in college, I think he'll still play in the next month," Izzo said.
Akins has been a vital cog for the Spartans this season, averaging 13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists through 12 games. He has been a workhorse for Michigan State, leading the team in playing time with 26.8 minutes logged per game.
Jaden Akins, Coen Carr star in Michigan State's win over Florida Atlantic
Jaden Akins showed his importance to Michigan State in the win over Florida Atlantic, recording 13 points, five rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes of action. He shot 6 of 13 from the field. Akins was one of four players to score in double figures for the Spartans, who improved their overall record to 10-2.
Coen Carr played his best game for Michigan State, posting career-best numbers in scoring and rebounding against the Owls. He dazzled off the bench, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight boards. He shot 7 of 9 from the floor and made both of his free-throw attempts. Carr also had one steal and one block.
With the victory, the Spartans extended their winning streak to five games. They have won eight of their last nine games since losing to then-No. 1 Kansas in the Champions Classic on Nov. 12. The Owls dropped to 7-6 after having their three-game unbeaten run snapped.