Anton Bonke Starts As Spartans Open Without Jesse McCulloch

Tom Izzo opened the season without Jesse McCulloch, so center Anton Bonke drew the start in the Michigan State frontcourt. McCulloch sat out with what Izzo called a "minor, minor concussion" on his pregame radio show , and Bonke took the opening it created, leading all players with 13 rebounds as the Spartans beat the Quinnipiac Bobcats 96-59 and won the rebound battle 46 to 27. McCulloch was the Spartans' most productive big man in the preseason, averaging 10.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 18.3 minutes across Michigan State's three exhibition games.