Michigan State men's basketball has struggled as of late. Losing the past three of four, head coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans hope to fix its defensive woes, adjust to the loss of an injured player and find itself victorious in this weeks matchup against UCLA.
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.
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.
Jordan Scott has been a "pleasant surprise" for Tom Izzo, who will earn his third start and increased minutes at Wisconsin on Friday.
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.
A top-15 matchup arrives in East Lansing as No. 13 Michigan State looks to take its next step against No. 2 UCLA and senior center Lauren Betts. The Bruins enter Breslin Center unbeaten in Big Ten play, while the Spartans aim to turn their turnover-forcing defense into a season-defining victory.
Michigan State basketball needed a bounce back victory to end its recent slump. On Saturday night against No. 5 Illinois, the Spartans got this, aided by two freshmen players that made the difference between victory and defeat.
MSU fought from behind most of the night, but capitalized when needed to top No. 5 Illinois 85-82.
Jase Richardson will be competing in this year's NBA Dunk Contest, following his father, who won the contest twice.
Tom Izzo said he's still grappling with whether or not to punish his star point guard after a week of scrutiny
MSU's Divine Ugochukwu will undergo season-ending foot surgery next week and will be out for the remainder of the season, head coach Tom Izzo said.
Michigan State basketball is in a slump; a rough stretch of games, as head coach Tom Izzo calls it. Following its 76-73 loss to Minnesota, the Spartans look to get back on track as they face off against a hot Illinois team on Saturday.
Michigan State’s turnover-forcing identity disappeared Wednesday night, as the Spartans committed a season-high 20 turnovers in an 86-70 loss to No. 22 Maryland at the Breslin Center. Sloppy play and second-quarter struggles allowed the Terrapins to seize control, handing MSU its first back-to-back losses of the season.
Michigan State women’s basketball faces another critical test in February as the Spartans welcome No. 22 Maryland to the Breslin Center. With four ranked matchups this month, MSU continues a stretch that could define its standing in the Big Ten race. Maryland enters on a four-game losing streak but remains dangerous behind breakout guard Oluchi Okananwa and sharpshooter Yarden Garzon. The matchup also carries personal significance for senior guard Jalyn Brown, a Baltimore native, as the Spartans look to bounce back from a narrow overtime loss to Michigan.
MSU is coming off just its third loss of the season, but the schedule doesn't let up with a road test at Minnesota next.
Jeremy Fears Jr. was named to the midseason watchlist for the Bob Cousy Award, given to the country's best point guard.
Following Michigan State’s loss to rival Michigan, students expressed frustration over missed free throws, defensive lapses and a sluggish first half. Despite a second-half comeback, fans felt MSU failed to execute in key moments.
In the first top-15 matchup of the Michigan State–Michigan rivalry, the Spartans pushed the Wolverines to the brink in an overtime thriller at Breslin Center. A frantic final sequence and a missed half-court heave sent the game to overtime tied at 81, where Michigan finally created separation to escape with a 94-91 win. Despite the loss, MSU matched Michigan’s physicality possession for possession in a game that showcased the intensity, depth and growing national stature of the Big Ten.
No. 13 Michigan State women’s basketball welcomes No. 9 Michigan to the Breslin Center on Sunday for the first top-15 matchup between the in-state rivals. Both teams enter the contest near the top of the Big Ten standings with nearly identical resumes, combining efficient offenses with disruptive defenses that thrive on forcing turnovers. With conference title implications on the line, the rivalry meeting sets up as a tightly contested battle that could play a pivotal role in the Big Ten race.
MSU played hard, just maybe too hard, and handed themselves an 83-71 loss to No. 3 Michigan Friday night.