Thursday, April 23, 2026

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MEN'S BASKETBALL

Men's basketball outlasts Illinois 60-53

The Spartans nearly let another sure win slip away, but an uncharacteristically strong night at the line helped MSU steal a road win from one of the best home teams in the Big Ten.  MSU (19-8 overall, 10-4 Big Ten) drained 17 of 20 free throw attempts to defeat Illinois, 60-53.

BASKETBALL

Women's basketball caps emotional senior day with upset over No. 19 Rutgers

Tears were shed and standing ovations were received before the opening possession occurred on Sunday.  Battling with  ACL tears on both of her knees, redshirt senior Madison Williams has spent the entirety of this season sitting on the bench, cheering for her teammates day in and day out.  But on the final home game of the year for the Spartans, Williams would get the nod from head coach Suzy Merchant to be slotted into the starting lineup.  Along with Williams, Kendra Lumpkin, seniors Kendra Lumpkin, Kelsey Kuipers, Anna Morrissey and Becca Mills were honored after the weekend matinee.

MICHIGAN

MSU bands use local competitions for fun, exposure

On Friday night, downtown Lansing was alive with the passion and sound of the six finalists in the 10th annual Homegrown Throwdown event, hosted this year by The Loft. "We try to pick bands that are local, talented and will bring a diverse sound to the event," The Loft's booking and promotions assistant Lauren Godlesky said. Local judges, including gave live feedback to each band after their performances, a la American Idol style. The sounds thumping through The Loft certainly didn't lack for any diversity.

BASKETBALL

Women's basketball upsets Rutgers 70-60

Tears were shed and standing ovations were received before the opening possession occurred on Sunday.  Battling with an ACL on both of her knees, redshirt senior Madison Williams has spent the entirely of this season sitting on the bench, cheering for her teammates day in and day out.  But on the final home game of the year for the Spartans, Williams would get the nod from head coach Suzy Merchant to be slotted into the starting lineup.  Having her name called by the public address announcer brought the crowd to their feet in support of Williams, one of five seniors honored at the Breslin Center on Senior Day.  Despite losing the opening tip off and being immediately taken out by freshman Lexi Gussert, it was the one shining moment that Williams deserved after not seeing the court all season.  Still searching for that first quality win since their Dec.

BASKETBALL

Halftime: Women's basketball leads Rutgers 27-20

The Spartans supporters rose to their feet on two separate occasions before a single point was even scored.  Both times for a player who made her first appearance on the court this season.  Madison Williams, the senior who has been battling an ACL tear on both of her knees, got the start at center on Senior Day.

ICE HOCKEY

Ice hockey rebounds with 3-0 win over Wisconsin

MSU hockey (13-13-2, 7-5-2-2 Big Ten) rebounded from a 2-1 loss on Friday with a 3-0 shutout over Wisconsin (4-20-4, 2-10-2 Big Ten). Junior goaltender Jake Hildebrand finished with 31 saves and junior forward Ryan Keller notched two goals in the victory. Sophomore forward Thomas Ebbing added his third goal of the season, and junior captain Michael Ferrantino collected two assists.

BASKETBALL

Tickets go on sale for Big Ten women's basketball tournament

A complete turnaround for the Spartans since the end of last year has finally taken shape with three games remaining of the regular-season.  And it's not for the better.  Unlike the 2014 program who fought their way to the second round of the NCAA tournament before falling short to North Carolina, MSU's long and treacherous journey in hopes of receiving a bid at The Big Dance starts at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill, the site of the 2015 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.  If the season ended today, Suzy Merchant's squad would face last place Penn State in the first round as an 11th seed.