The Spartans had an intense weekend of matchups. With spring sports entering the mix and Tom Izzo getting his 354th win-the most Big Ten conference wins in league history-the athletics program looks to continue its success.
“In athletics, it’s no different than life,” Executive Senior Associate AD for Communications Matt Larson said, “You’re going to be faced with adversity, so you can’t avoid adversity, it’s how you respond to that.”
Men's basketball: Izzo makes history as Spartans rally for statement win
Tom Izzo gained his 354th win, 79-65, after the team returned from a 16-point deficit against Illinois at State Farm Center on Saturday evening.
“Coach Izzo is more than just a basketball coach, he’s more than just an athletic department employee,” Larson said. “In many ways Tom Izzo is Michigan State University.”
In the final six minutes, the Spartans went on a 15-0 run, with junior forward Jaxon Kohler leading the charge with a career-high of 23 points.
MSU’s depth was on full display, with junior guard Tre Holloman, freshman guard Jase Richardson, and sophomore forward Coen Carr all scoring in double figures to fuel the second-half surge.
The Spartans now rank No. 2 in the Big Ten and No. 11 nationally.
MSU will host No. 7 Purdue on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at Breslin Center.
Women's basketball: MSU rebounds against Wisconsin but falls short against UCLA
The team rebounded from their loss against University of Michigan earlier in the week on Wednesday, Feb. 12, when they played Wisconsin and won 91-71. However, following the win, they narrowly lost against UCLA on Sunday, 75-69.
MSU’s basketball teams continue to showcase their depth as the team had three players score in double digits despite the loss.
UCLA had a few runs throughout the game, putting MSU in a deficit and forcing them catch up.
However, MSU couldn’t sustain its momentum.
The Spartans are now ranked No. 22 nationally and No. 6 in the Big Ten standings.
“Sometimes calls don’t go your way, but you know, unfortunately, that’s sports,” Larson said. “You pick yourself up, and now I'm sure they’ll show that same resilience getting ready for their next game on Wednesday.”
The team will remain in California to take on No. 6 USC on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 9:30 p.m.
Women's gymnastics: Spartans edge Nebraska to extend winning streak
MSU gymnastics extended its winning streak with a narrow 196.725-196.700 victory over Nebraska.
The Spartans built a slim lead in the first rotation and held on to it over the second and third, securing the win.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Junior Nikki Smith continued her standout season, sharing the all-around title for the third consecutive meet.
MSU is now ranked No. 7 nationally and fourth in the Big Ten.
The Spartans will return home to compete against Rutgers on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. in Jenison Fieldhouse.
Baseball: MSU sweeps opening weekend in North Carolina
MSU baseball opened its season with a strong showing in Cary, North Carolina.
The Spartans kicked things off with a doubleheader against Western Michigan, winning the first game 2-0 and following it up with a 6-3 victory in game two.
On Saturday, MSU continued its success with back-to-back wins over Monmouth, securing a 2-0 win in the first game and a 4-1 victory in the second.
“The weather is not exactly conducive to going outside and practicing baseball or playing nine holes,” Larson said, “It really is remarkable the success that our student-athletes are able to have this early in the season when you know, often times they’re playing against teams that aren’t facing the same challenges.”
MSU currently sits at second place in the Big Ten standings and remains unranked nationally.
The Spartans will take on Washington State in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m.
Softball: Strong start in Athens
MSU's softball team traveled to Athens, Georgia, for the Red & Black Showcase, opening with a 7-2 win over Longwood on Friday, Feb. 14. However, the Spartans fell 10-2 to Georgia in the second game.
Saturday’s scheduled matchups were canceled due to inclement weather.
On Sunday, the Spartans closed the weekend on a high note, defeating Western Carolina 9-1.
The team is currently ranked 15th in the Big Ten standings but remains unranked nationally.
The Spartans will head to San Antonio, Texas, to face UTSA on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 8:30 p.m.
Track and Field: Forsyth breaks school record as Spartans shine across three meets
MSU track and field split its squad across three different meets this past weekend.
Freshman Rachel Forsyth and senior Kate Stewart-Barnett competed at the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 15, where Forsyth broke her own school record in the 3000m with a time of 8:53.50.
From Feb. 14-15, a large group of Spartans competed at the Badgers Windy City Invite, securing multiple podium finishes and personal bests.
In Allendale, Michigan, MSU athletes took part in the GVSU Big Meet on Friday, Feb. 14, with several competitors setting new personal records.
The Spartans will travel to Ann Arbor for the Silverston Invitational on Friday, Feb. 21.
Women’s tennis: MSU dominates JMU and Liberty in Virginia road trip
MSU women’s tennis had a strong showing in Lynchburg, Virginia, winning both of its matchups over the weekend.
The Spartans opened with a 4-1 victory over James Madison University on Saturday, Feb. 15, securing the doubles point in two matches while limiting JMU to just one team point.
MSU continued its dominance on Sunday, sweeping Liberty 7-0.
The Spartans are eighth in the Big Ten standings and remain unranked nationally.
Next up, MSU will host a doubleheader against Youngstown State and Ball State on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 3 p.m. in East Lansing.
Wrestling: Spartans struggle against Rutgers and Michigan, eye redemption
It was a tough weekend for MSU wrestling, as the Spartans dropped both of their matchups.
On Friday, Feb. 14, MSU fell to Rutgers 28-7 in New Jersey.
Their matches continued on Sunday in East Lansing against their rivals, Michigan. They had a similar fate to their previous matchup and lost 27-12.
Against the Wolverines, MSU won four individual bouts, with victories from redshirt freshman Caleb Weiand, redshirt junior Andy Hampton, redshirt sophomore Braden Stauffenberg, and redshirt sophomore Caesar Garza, who secured a sudden-victory win.
MSU is currently 14th in the Big Ten standings and remains unranked nationally.
The Spartans will look to finish the regular season on a high note when they travel to Mount Pleasant to take on Central Michigan on Friday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.
Michigan State athletics saw major moments this weekend, from Tom Izzo’s record-breaking win to strong performances in gymnastics, baseball, and tennis. While some teams faced tough losses, the Spartans continue to battle across every sport.
“We’ve put resources in to be able to celebrate the accomplishments of all our teams," Larson said.
With key matchups ahead, one thing is clear — Michigan State’s competitive fire is burning brighter than ever.
