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Sports | 1000

SPORTS

MSU sports have up and down week as they prepare for busy weekend

It was a week of redemption and record-breaking moments for Spartan athletics. Men's basketball rebounded from its worst loss of the season with a dominant three-point barrage against UCLA, while MSU baseball turned heads by stealing a series from then-No. 8 Louisville. The women's basketball team answered a tough rivalry defeat with a 104-point Senior Day statement, and women's golf's Paula Balanzategui posted the best finish of her collegiate career. Not every result went the Spartans' way, but with championship seasons approaching, Michigan State is hitting its stride at exactly the right time.

ICE HOCKEY

Fresh off bye week, No. 1 MSU hockey set to host Notre Dame

No. 1 Michigan State hockey will host Notre Dame at Munn Ice Arena for a two-game series after spending the last week on a bye. The opening game is set for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m. The series finale is set for Friday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. Notre Dame has a poor record but holds talented players who are dangerous on the power play. MSU must continue to win to contend for the Big Ten regular-season title, although it's taking things one day at a time. The bye week allowed MSU to recover after spending much of the last two months on the road.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Michigan sweeps MSU women's basketball in commanding 86-65 victory

What began as a highly anticipated rematch between in-state rivals quickly unraveled for Michigan State. After trading blows early, a turnover-plagued second quarter flipped the game on its head, allowing Michigan Wolverines to seize control and cruise past the Michigan State Spartans, 86-65. Michigan capitalized on MSU’s mistakes and second-chance opportunities to complete the season sweep, while injuries and exposed weaknesses compounded a frustrating night for the Spartans as they search for answers late in the season.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball prepares for rematch against rival Michigan

A rivalry that already delivered a classic gets a high-stakes sequel Sunday in Ann Arbor. After an overtime thriller in East Lansing, No. 13 Michigan State Spartans and No. 7 Michigan Wolverines meet again with postseason positioning on the line. While Michigan remains in the hunt for the Big Ten regular-season title, MSU looks to regain momentum, avoid a season sweep and steady its NCAA tournament outlook. With seeding, pride and momentum at stake, round two promises to carry just as much intensity as the first.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU drops third straight home game to No. 2 UCLA

Michigan State faced its toughest test of the season Wednesday and came up short. No. 2 UCLA overwhelmed the No. 13 Spartans from the opening tip, using suffocating defense, balanced scoring and a dominant rebounding performance to secure an 86-63 win. Despite a stronger second half, MSU never found an offensive rhythm against the experienced Bruins, who showed why they are a legitimate national title contender.