Michigan State University men’s basketball is back on the road after its statement 75-66 home win over Purdue on Tuesday, a game defined by two key scoring runs that helped the Spartans maintain control until the final whistle.
The Spartans (21-5, 12-3 Big Ten) will face Michigan (20-5, 12-2 Big Ten) in the first of two matchups this season. Both teams enter Friday with much at stake: the winner of Friday’s game will sit in first place in the conference with less than three weeks until the Big Ten tournament. MSU will look to disrupt Michigan’s undefeated 12-0 record at home; the Wolverines are on a six-game winning streak overall.
MSU hit a rough patch in early February, losing back-to-back games to USC and UCLA before suffering its first home loss to Indiana last week. However, the Spartans rebounded with two Quad one wins, taking down Illinois on the road and Purdue at home.
This matchup — and the March 9 rematch in East Lansing — carries significant weight in the Big Ten title race, marking the first time MSU and Michigan have battled for the top spot since 2018-19.
Unlike MSU, Michigan leans on its frontcourt, led by 7-foot-1 center Vladislav Goldin and 7-foot forward Danny Wolf.
Goldin, a Russian native, leads Michigan with 15.7 points per game and gets to the free-throw line more than any other Wolverine. He also averages 6.2 rebounds. Wolf contributes just under 13 points, a team-high 10 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Michigan leans heavily on its dominant frontcourt duo, along with guard Tre Donaldson, who averages 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and four assists.
Michigan’s last three games — narrow wins over Ohio State, Purdue, and Indiana — have highlighted the trio’s ability to close out games.
Against OSU, Goldin, Wolf and Donaldson combined for 45 points and 24 rebounds. Against Purdue, the three combined for 39 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and four steals. Finally, against Indiana, they combined for 56 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists.
Containing Goldin and Wolf will be a challenge for MSU’s frontcourt, including Carson Cooper, Jaxon Kohler, Szymon Zapala and Xavier Booker. Head coach Tom Izzo emphasized that MSU must be "stronger and tougher inside" against Michigan’s size.
A game so crucial for both teams’ futures makes this game — and the March 9 match — so special. Cooper, a Michigan native, has had a hot streak recently in putting up points and grabbing rebounds, said he has helped his team get ready for "the biggest game of the year."
"It’s going to be loud. There’s gonna be a lot of trash talk," Cooper said. "The pressure is something we all live for and we’ve all prepared for. It’s something you sign up for when you come here."
MSU will take its momentum from the Purdue win into Crisler Center for a high-stakes rivalry showdown against Michigan. Tipoff is set for Friday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m. on FOX.
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “MSU men’s basketball braces for "pressure" clash against Michigan” on social media.
