Friday, October 9, 2026

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Sports | Basketball

BASKETBALL

Young Spartans lacking leadership

MSU women’s basketball head coach Suzy Merchant is still searching for a leader. With nine underclassmen filling the Spartans’ roster, it has been a struggle for Merchant to uncover a leader on the young squad.

BASKETBALL

Izzo looking for more cohesion

When all the stars align, the Spartans can run with just about anybody in the country, MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo said. But when he talks about everyone contributing, he means from top to bottom — from the starting five to the assistant coaches.

BASKETBALL

'Bigs' are key to Spartan victory

After MSU’s victory against Ohio State last week, Buckeyes head coach Thad Matta admitted a secret. He said while they’d never just give away a basket, they were willing to allow MSU’s big men some open jump shots.

BASKETBALL

'Bizarre' turnovers must stop

There are some turnovers MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo can deal with. If an opposing player makes a tough steal or if the defense holds tight for the full shot clock and MSU has a tough time getting a good look, he’s OK with that.

BASKETBALL

Spark plug

MSU women’s basketball head coach Suzy Merchant has found a diamond in the rough. Takeya Fortner, a 5-foot-9-inch sophomore guard, has picked a time to shine when the team needs it most. With the loss of key players due to injuries and graduation, Merchant saw the potential hidden in Fortner once the Big Ten season started.

BASKETBALL

Breakdown

The MSU men’s basketball team left Iowa City, Iowa, with their tails between their legs — but the Spartans couldn’t be more jacked for 4 p.m. Sunday, when they head to Williams Arena in Minneapolis to battle Minnesota.

BASKETBALL

Breakdown

The MSU men’s basketball team looks to rebound from its first conference loss at Iowa this weekend as the Spartans face Ohio State at 7 p.m. tonight at Breslin Center.