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Sports | 1117

SPORTS

MSU athletics stay active across the board

MSU sports is staying busy throughout the winter season. Men's basketball pulled off a comeback-overtime victory and hockey is set for a tough-Big Ten battle, including an outdoor competition. Meanwhile, women's basketball has stayed solid and prepares for a rivalry game. Gymnastics hosted its home opener while wrestling, tennis and golf are all heating up.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey set for No. 5 Penn State series and outdoor contest

In 2001, Michigan State hosted the first-ever outdoor hockey game, making history for both college hockey and beyond. Now, the Spartans will travel to Pennsylvania, competing outdoors at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium. No. 2 MSU hockey will face No. 5 Penn State for a two-game series this weekend. The teams will compete on Friday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. EST in Pegula Ice Arena and close out the series on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. EST in Beaver Stadium. Both games are crucial to the race for a Big Ten title and MSU is taking things one day at a time.

SPORTS

MSU gymnastics fall to UCLA at Breslin Center

The Michigan State gymnastics team faced UCLA in a home dual meet at the Breslin Center, where they put up a good fight throughout the meet thanks to outstanding performances from their main athletes and the strong support of their fans in attendance. Ultimately, the Bruins prevailed in a tightly contested matchup.

ICE HOCKEY

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

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

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.