MSU picked up its third win in seven days, moving to 22-5 overall and 13-3 in Big Ten play. The Spartans gave Michigan its first home loss this season after a 13-0 start and disrupted a six-game win streak for the Wolverines hours after Michigan men’s basketball head coach Dusty May agreed to sign a multi-year extension contract with the university.

MSU jumped out to an early lead, but Michigan quickly responded to even the contest. From there until the halftime buzzer sounded, Michigan had the edge. Even with a slim five-point lead, Michigan appeared in control and poised to pull away. MSU’s stagnant offense fueled Michigan’s runs, struggling against the Wolverines’ zone defense.

"When I went in (to the locker room) at halftime, I said we got a chance because I thought we'd be about 15 down the way we played," MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo said.

With Michigan’s 23-16 lead, the Wolverines were on a whopping 17-3 run in just five minutes. In that time, MSU made only one of its last 12 field goals and had three turnovers in just over five minutes. The Spartans were playing poorly, but not completely unlike other first-half starts recently, such as its loss to Indiana at home and victory against Oregon.

Junior guard Tre Holloman eventually hit two free throws to stop the streak, and from there, MSU finished the half making five of its last seven field goals, a statement response from how the Spartans looked for a majority of the first 20 minutes.  

Once again, MSU flipped the script in the second half. On Saturday, the Spartans outscored Michigan 41-24 in the second half. In MSU’s win over Oregon, the Spartans outscored the Ducks 50-24 in the second half; against Purdue, MSU outscored 42-35; and at Illinois, MSU outscored the Fighting Illini 42-24 in the second half for one of its biggest wins this season.

Over its last four wins, MSU has outscored opponents by 68 in the second half, proving its ability to adjust and dominate late. 

Turnovers plagued MSU early, committing nine while forcing just five, allowing Michigan to capitalize. MSU’s turnovers helped Michigan go on long scoring runs, creating an unfortunate scenario for the Spartans. After halftime, MSU tightened up, committing just two turnovers while forcing 10. The highlight? Richardson’s steal and dish to Akins for a thunderous dunk in the final minute.

After a messy first half, MSU controlled its composure, fixed first-half issues, and led a dominant second-half performance to get another road win. 

"Our defense has been really good all year. We’re number one in the league for a reason," MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo said postgame.

Three-pointers — yes, seriously — played a crucial role in MSU’s win. Before Friday, MSU had outshot opponents from three in just six games — winning five.

On Friday, MSU connected for nine three-pointers, as opposed to Michigan’s five, which has only happened twice this season, both wins. Redshirt freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and freshman guard Jase Richardson, who finished with 21 points, both hit a pair of three-pointers, while Holloman, who finished with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting, hit three shots from beyond the arc. All of his three-pointers came consecutively and completely shifted the game’s atmosphere. His three-pointers pushed the game to an eight-point lead for the Spartans, which they controlled for the remainder of the game.

"I really felt like Tre Holloman did a hell of a job," Izzo said. "Jase Richardson was unbelievable."

Fears Jr.’s final three-pointer, a bank shot, was the icing on the cake. His basket brought the score to 71-62 with 2:17 left, and from there, MSU practically had the win. 

The last 2:17 exemplified MSU’s second-half dominance. With the score practically out of reach for the Wolverines, MSU grabbed three offensive rebounds — and two defensive — in one possession, Akins hit two free throws, followed by his thunderous dunk. It was superb playing by MSU, and its ability to fight for loose balls and grab necessary offensive boards fueled its second-half surge and eventual win. 

This win sets the stage for an even bigger March 9 rematch.

"There’s nothing better than beating your rival on their floor," Izzo said. "Now they have the chance to do that to us coming up."

MSU travels to Maryland next, tipping off Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 6:30 p.m. on FOX.