MSU extended its win streak to seven games after taking down Rutgers 88–79 in a tough overtime victory Tuesday, proving the team can overcome deficits and adversity. The Spartans struggled offensively early, showing inefficiency in the backcourt and inconsistency in the frontcourt, which led to a near upset by the Scarlet Knights.

Sophomore guard Jeremy Fears recorded a career-high 29 points and nine assists, but it was sophomore guard Divine Ugochukwu who delivered in the clutch, hitting the game-tying 3-pointer with 11.1 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime.

With Rutgers in the rear-view mirror, the Spartans now set their sights on something a little more important: a game against No. 3 Michigan. The top ten matchup features two of the best basketball programs in the country, showcasing headlines such as a great Spartan defense vs. a great Wolverine offense, physical matchups all around and two competitive and winning coaches. 

Michigan hasn’t beaten MSU on its home court since 2018. MSU looks to keep that streak alive in a game that will tip off on Friday, Jan. 30, at 8 p.m. in the Breslin Center. 

MSU Hockey:

No. 2 MSU hockey is set to compete against No. 5 Penn State this weekend, opening the series on Friday at 6 p.m. EST. The teams will close out the series on Saturday at 1 p.m. EST. Saturday’s game will be on an outdoor rink at Beaver Stadium, continuing a tradition of outdoor hockey games started by MSU in 2001. 

The Spartans have swept their last two conference opponents and Penn State enters with a seven-game win streak. The matchup is a battle for second place in the Big Ten as both teams hold a 10-4-0 record. Coach Adam Nightingale said the best way for the team to enjoy its experience is to play its best and focus on the things that matter to win a hockey game. 

MSU Women’s Basketball:

No. 13 Michigan State women’s basketball has continued to prove itself as one of the top teams in the Big Ten, posting an 18-2 overall record and sitting at 7-2 in conference play.

After a road loss to Iowa, the Spartans returned to Breslin Center on Jan. 22 to face USC, led by talented freshman guard Jazzy Davidson. In a back-and-forth matchup, MSU came out on top with a 74-68 victory, fueled by an all-around performance from redshirt sophomore guard Kennedy Blair.

The Spartans now turn their attention to a crucial stretch, with No. 9 Michigan looming Sunday. Before that showdown, MSU took care of business against Purdue on Thursday, dominating the Boilermakers 86–65. Blair again led the way, recording 15 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, five steals and one block in another complete performance.

The Spartans now prepare for their biggest game of the season so far, welcoming Michigan to East Lansing for a top 15 rivalry matchup Sunday at noon. While MSU has historically controlled the rivalry, Michigan has held the edge in recent years, winning seven of the last 11 meetings since 2020.

MSU Gymnastics: 

No. 21 Michigan State finished second, just behind No. 5 UCLA, with a season-high score of 196.900. The Spartans also posted team season highs on vault and floor. However, they dropped to 1–4 overall and 0–2 in Big Ten play.

MSU Wrestling: 

Michigan State ended its road trip in Bloomington with a 31–13 loss to No. 25 Indiana. The loss dropped the Spartans to 3–6 on the season, leaving them winless in Big Ten duals.

MSU had three wrestlers pick up victories against Indiana: redshirt sophomore 133-pounder Caleb Weiand earned a 7–4 decision, freshman 149-pounder Evan Gosz secured a 20–6 major decision, and redshirt junior heavyweight Josh Terrill won his third consecutive dual match. The Spartans return home to face Northwestern on Sunday.

Men’s Tennis

On the second day of the ITA Kickoff Weekend, No. 24 MSU fell to No. 14 South Carolina, 4-2, on Jan. 23. Though the Spartans lost the overall match, they picked up two victories in singles play. Sophomore Danial Rakhmatullayev won in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, while junior Taym Alazmeh added another singles win without dropping a set, defeating his opponent 6-4, 6-4. 

Women’s Tennis

Inclement weather may have disrupted MSU’s plans to play in Texas last weekend, but conditions will not be a factor Sunday as the Spartans welcome Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan to East Lansing for a doubleheader. MSU will face WMU at 10 a.m., followed by EMU at 2 p.m.

Track & Field

The MSU track and field team will be split across the country this weekend, with some athletes traveling to South Bend, Indiana, while others compete in Louisville, Kentucky. Notre Dame will host the Notre Dame Meyo Invitational, while Louisville will host the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational.

Men’s Golf

The MSU men’s golf team will travel to Mountain Lake Country Club in Lake Wales, Florida, on Saturday for the Gantner Cup. The event marks the team’s first competition of the spring season.

Women’s Golf

The MSU women’s golf team will also open its spring season away from home, traveling to the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, for the Puerto Rico Classic. The tournament will run from Sunday through Tuesday.