Men’s Basketball
This past weekend, MSU found out what it feels like to be on the losing end of a blowout for the first time. The Spartans lost to Wisconsin 92-71, a game in which MSU never had a real chance of a comeback, as the Badgers' sharp shooting fueled a win. Four days later, MSU flipped the script in an 82-59 rout of UCLA.
MSU’s trademark defense returned in a big way, allowing just two Bruins more than 9 points. It wasn’t just defense, but instead a barrage of threes that let MSU control the tempo of the game. Jeremy Fears Jr. converted on a career-high four threes, shooting 50% while MSU shot 52% from deep all night, its highest mark of the season.
MSU now has four days of rest before facing Ohio State in the penultimate game at Breslin Center on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 1:00 p.m.
Just over two weeks from the end of the regular season, MSU 21-5, (11-4) sits third in the Big Ten, three and a half games behind Michigan in first.
Hockey
No. 1 Michigan State hockey continued its dominant run in the Big Ten with a 4-2 victory over Notre Dame on Thursday night. Junior goaltender Trey Augustine once again dominated, stopping 37 of 39 shots, while the game-winning goal came on a power play from junior winger Gavin O’Connell, assisted by freshmen forwards Cayden Lindstrom and Anthony Romani.
With two games in hand, the Spartans are now just one point behind Michigan atop the Big Ten standings. Notre Dame, struggling near the bottom of the conference, will look to rebound when the two teams meet again on Friday at 6 p.m.
Coming off of a bye week, MSU aims to carry the momentum from its back-to-back strong performances, including a 5-2 win over then-No. 1 Michigan earlier this month.
Women’s Basketball
No. 18 MSU women’s basketball traveled to Ann Arbor on Sunday for a rematch against its rival, then-No. 7 Michigan, marking only the second top 15 matchup in the rivalry’s history. In a game expected to follow up the overtime thriller in the first meeting, expectations were far from met.
After a close opening quarter, the Spartans were dominated by the Wolverines, losing 86-65 for their second straight 20-point loss.
MSU needed to bounce back, and that is exactly what it did against Northwestern on Wednesday for senior day. The Spartans secured a blowout victory for their seniors, 104-68, as 63 of the 104 points came from seniors. Redshirt sophomore guard Kennedy Blair also put on a show, scoring 17 points and adding 10 assists.
Next up MSU will travel to Minnesota to take on the No. 23 Golden Gophers on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Baseball
MSU baseball shocked the college baseball world over the weekend by clinching a series victory over then-No. 8 Louisville, winning the first two games of the series.
The Spartans won 4-3 in their season-opener on Friday as senior infielder Randy Seymour shone, picking up three RBIs, including a solo home run that was the winning run.
The upset was followed by a 13-4 victory on Saturday to secure the series win, largely thanks to an eight-RBI game from junior outfielder Parker Picot, who hit a grand slam and a three-run home run. MSU dropped the final game 9-1 on Sunday, but the series victory marked the highest-ranked series win under head coach Jake Boss Jr.
The Spartans will remain on the road as they travel to Texas for a weekend series against the No. 3 Longhorns. The first game will be on Friday, set for 7:30 p.m.
Gymnastics
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No. 11 Michigan State gymnastics defeated Maryland and Western Michigan in a tri-meet at Jenison Fieldhouse on Sunday. The Spartans posted a 197.250, their second-highest score of the season. Their floor performance set them apart, with all six competitors scoring above 9.900.
Junior MaKayla Tucker and senior Nikki Smith shared the all-around title, propelling the team to a needed victory and keeping them in good standing in the conference. The Spartans will host No. 21 Ohio State at 6 p.m. Saturday at Jenison Fieldhouse.
Softball
On Friday night, the Michigan State Spartans continued their non-conference schedule Friday evening with a game against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. The first pitch is set for 5 p.m. ET.
Michigan State enters the matchup hoping to gain early-season momentum and improve its consistency on both offense and defense. The Spartans will seek strong pitching and timely hitting as they take on a Louisiana-Lafayette team known for its competitive spirit and aggressive offense.
This game is an important early test for Michigan State as it prepares for the main part of its schedule. The Spartans are focused on executing basics, reducing defensive errors and capitalizing on scoring chances.
Men’s Tennis
MSU men’s tennis continued its road schedule this week with a 4-1 loss to Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. Michigan State opened the match on a positive note by earning the doubles point, but Vanderbilt responded strongly in singles to secure the overall win. The Spartans remain in action this weekend, traveling to face in-state opponent Western Michigan in Kalamazoo as they look to bounce back and gain momentum.
Women’s Tennis
After opening the season with six straight wins, MSU women’s tennis faced its first setbacks on the road, falling to Ivy League opponents Princeton and Columbia. The Spartans were defeated 4-1 by Princeton and 4-0 by Columbia, marking their first losses after a strong, undefeated start. Michigan State will now look to regroup as it prepares for matchups against Toledo and Dartmouth this weekend.
Wrestling
MSU wrestling took on their last two of three consecutive dual matches against ranked opponents, facing off against No. 14 Rutgers and No. 9 Minnesota. The Spartans were beaten 29-9 by Rutgers, and they would suffer the same result against Minnesota losing 36-7 away from home.
Eight of the 10 wrestlers featured for Rutgers were ranked compared to just two on MSU's side of the mat. This proved a difficult task for MSU and gave many unranked wrestlers a chance at an upset, though none of them would be able to pull off the task.
MSU will take on its final opponent of the regular season, Central Michigan, Friday, Feb. 20.
Track and Field
The Michigan State Spartans will head to Ann Arbor, Michigan on Friday for the Silverston Invitational, hosted by the Michigan Wolverines. Events will start at 4 p.m.
This meet offers Michigan State a chance to set personal records, boost qualifying marks and gain momentum as they approach the championship part of the indoor season. Competing against a strong in-state rival, the Spartans aim for strong performances in track, field and relay events in a challenging road setting.
Men’s Golf
MSU men’s golf traveled to Panama City Beach, Florida for the Watersound Invitational. They finished with a score of 840, good enough for sixth in a competitive 12-team field. Nine of the teams ranked among the top 75 teams in the country.
Two Spartan golfers finished in the top 10. Senior Ashton McCulloch finished in fifth place at 7-under par with a career-best score of 203 that is tied for the fourth-best score in MSU history. Meanwhile, senior Caleb Bond tied for seventh place after finishing 5-under on the tournament.
The Spartans will take a break before returning to action on March 1 for the two-day Colleton River Collegiate in Bluffton, South Carolina, at Colleton River Club.
Women’s Golf
MSU women’s golf spent two days competing in Sarasota, Florida, at the Palm Aire Champions Course for the Spartan Sun Coast Invitational, where they finished fourth in a 15-team field at 34-over par.
Senior Paula Balanzategui shone; she finished as the tournament runner-up at 1-under par. Her second-place finish is the best of her collegiate career.
The Spartans will get a month off before traveling to John’s Island, South Carolina, for the Briar’s Creek Invitational at The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek. The tournament will last two days, starting on March 16.
