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Sports | 1000

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey downs Minnesota in effort-driven performance

Audrey Dayton
January 23, 2026

After junior defenseman Maxim Štrbák scored the Spartans’ third goal of the night, he pointed to the sky in tribute to Dan Sturges — just like the DS patches, helmet stickers and Sturges jerseys displayed throughout Munn Ice Arena. No. 2 Michigan State hockey’s Friday night contest against Minnesota marked its first game following the death of Sturges, the team's director of hockey operations. The Spartans skated to a 3-1 win in an effort-and-detail driven performance.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU regroups late, avoids collapse in 74-68 win over USC

Tyler Gaylord
January 23, 2026

Michigan State women’s basketball survived a frantic fourth-quarter scare to defeat USC 74-68 at Breslin Center. The Spartans saw a double-digit lead nearly disappear before redshirt sophomore Kennedy Blair’s clutch and-one and senior Grace VanSlooten’s late steal sealed the victory. Despite shooting just 38.2% from the field, Michigan State’s defense and 19-for-24 free-throw shooting underscored a team message of resilience that has defined its season.

ICE HOCKEY

Dan Sturges leaves lasting mark on MSU hockey

Audrey Dayton
January 22, 2026

Dan Sturges, former Spartan hockey player and Director of Hockey Operations at MSU died on Monday morning. He embodied what the Spartans strive to be: team players, competitors and students of the game. Sturges has left a lasting impact on MSU hockey and the community because of both his role and character.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey returns home to host Minnesota

Audrey Dayton
January 22, 2026

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will return home, hosting Minnesota after spending two weekends on the road. The Gophers are the only team the Spartans have yet to play in conference action. MSU is 17-5-0 overall (8-4-0 in B1G). The Spartans are coming off a dominant a performance, competing against a Minnesota team with talented players but a poor record compared to its recent seasons.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball drops road test vs. No. 11 Iowa

Tyler Gaylord
January 19, 2026

Michigan State women’s basketball walked into one of the Big Ten’s toughest road environments knowing it would be tested. Early foul trouble disrupted the Spartans’ rhythm, forcing key players to the bench and leaving MSU playing catch-up the rest of the night. Despite a stronger second half and a late push led by Rashunda Jones, Michigan State could not overcome its first-half deficit, falling 75-68 to No. 11 Iowa. The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak and highlighted the thin margin for error when facing elite opponents on the road.

ICE HOCKEY

Defense and execution power No. 4 MSU to a sweep of No. 2 Wisconsin

Audrey Dayton
January 17, 2026

Prior to No. 4 Michigan State hockey’s matchup against No. 2 Wisconsin, MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said the road series would be a test — a test the Spartans passed. On Thursday night, MSU scored three goals in the second period to earn a 4-3 win. The Spartans didn’t let up the following night; rather, they improved with disciplined defense, strong execution and a stellar goaltender performance, en route to a 4-1 victory and a road sweep. 

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball grinds out 73-71 win over No. 24 Nebraska

Tyler Gaylord
January 16, 2026

Michigan State survived a thrilling late-game showdown with No. 24 Nebraska, edging the Cornhuskers 73-71 to secure a program-best 17-1 start. Junior guard Rashunda Jones and sophomore forward Juliann Woodard delivered clutch free throws in the final seconds, while senior guard Jalyn Brown made two critical defensive stops and hit a game-tying 3-pointer to keep the Spartans in control. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, MSU found ways to win, highlighting depth, resilience, and the advantage of playing at home under head coach Robyn Fralick’s dominant 35-4 record at the Breslin Center. The victory sets the stage for a road test Sunday against No. 11 Iowa in Iowa City.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 4 MSU hockey set for rebound at Wisconsin

Audrey Dayton
January 14, 2026

After getting swept last November, No. 4 MSU hockey is set for a road contest against No. 2 Wisconsin. The series is set for Thursday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. EST and Friday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. EST. Thursday’s contest will be streamed on Big Ten Network. Both sides' offensive leaders remain the same, although both teams have grown throughout the last months. MSU looks to be the best version of itself, as in any competition.

ICE HOCKEY

Porter Martone earns Big Ten Second Star of the Week

Audrey Dayton
January 13, 2026

No. 4 MSU hockey's Porter Martone was recognized by the Big Ten, earning Second Star of the Week for his weekend performance. Martone posted the best scoring in the conference with five points (3-2--5). He leads the team in goals with 14, ranking second in scoring (14-11--25). This is Martone’s second Big Ten honor of the season, as he was named Third Star on Nov. 18, 2025, following MSU’s sweep of Notre Dame. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey splits series with Ohio State

Audrey Dayton
January 11, 2026

No. 2 MSU hockey resumed conference play on the road against Ohio State. On Friday night, the Spartans earned a 6-2 victory following a quick 4-0 lead in the first period. However, MSU lacked the same grit and execution the following night, falling 2-1 in a performance beneath the team’s standard.