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Sports | Football 1087

SPORTS

Spartan sports make strides across the board

The State News Sports Desk
November 25, 2025

Michigan State athletics saw a mix of breakthrough and frustration this week, highlighted by women’s soccer making its first-ever Elite Eight and women’s basketball staying undefeated with dominant wins. While football and hockey both suffered tough losses, cross country, wrestling and men’s tennis delivered strong postseason performances. With key matchups ahead across several sports, the Spartans now turn their focus to finishing the fall season strong.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU jumps to No. 11 in AP Poll before Fort Myers Tip-Off

Lucas Gentilia
November 24, 2025

Michigan State men’s basketball, now ranked No. 11 after wins over Kentucky and Detroit Mercy, is set for the Fort Myers Tip-Off, where it will face East Carolina and No. 16 North Carolina. With ECU entering at No. 244 in KenPom and UNC led by standout freshman Caleb Wilson, the Spartans will return home afterward to host Iowa on Dec. 2 and Duke on Dec. 6.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Blair’s 25-point career day surges MSU women's basketball to 6-0 start

Tyler Gaylord
November 23, 2025

Behind a dominant 102-41 win over Oakland was a career night from Kennedy Blair and a continued defensive dominance. The redshirt sophomore poured in 25 points in just three quarters, fueling a second-quarter explosion that erased an uneven start and showcased why this Michigan State team thrives on pressure and pace. While questions lingered early around MSU’s offensive consistency and Grace VanSlooten’s health, the Spartans’ depth, defensive intensity and Blair’s all-around performance highlighted a group beginning to find its rhythm ahead of a challenging stretch on the road.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey comes up short, loses 2-1 in overtime

Audrey Dayton
November 23, 2025

After dropping Game 1 with a 5-4 loss, No. 1 Michigan State hockey looked to split its series against No. 7 Wisconsin. MSU played tighter defense and sharper offense than the previous night, but gave up a power-play goal in the second period. Despite knotting the game in the final period, the Spartans lost 2-1 in overtime. 

FOOTBALL

Fourth quarter collapse extends MSU losing streak to eight

Tyler Gaylord
November 22, 2025

Michigan State looked like it had finally turned a corner after a dominant third quarter, but a familiar fourth-quarter collapse erased a 10-point lead and handed Iowa a 20-17 win on a last-second field goal. The loss adds another chapter to a season defined by late-game failures, as the Spartans once again showed flashes of promise before unraveling when it mattered most.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Woodard’s second-half shooting clinic fuels 101-53 MSU win

Tyler Gaylord
November 21, 2025

Sophomore forward Juliann Woodard provided the spark Michigan State didn’t know it needed, exploding for 17 points in just under 14 minutes to fuel a dominant 101-53 victory. The Spartans overwhelmed their opponent with relentless pressure, forcing 27 turnovers and turning them into 33 points while committing just six themselves — further strengthening the nation’s best turnover margin. Behind Woodard’s scorching second-half shooting, Grace VanSlooten’s steady production and Kennedy Blair’s career-high 15 rebounds, MSU’s depth and defense proved too much to overcome. Even with a late-game injury scare for VanSlooten, the Spartans’ bench and energy carried a statement win at Breslin Center.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Isa Alexander shines after two years of injury setbacks

Tyler Gaylord
November 20, 2025

Redshirt senior Isaline “Isa” Alexander has returned to full form this season, highlighted by a 20-point, 9-for-9 shooting performance against Western Michigan. Her performance capped a two-year comeback from multiple injuries that kept her largely off the floor and forced her to rebuild both physically and mentally. Alexander’s dedication, discipline and newfound perspective on the game have not only strengthened her basketball IQ but also inspired teammates like Kennedy Blair. Playing a full season for the first time since 2022-23, Alexander is relishing the chance to contribute while reflecting on the journey that brought her back.

FOOTBALL

MSU offensive line must improve to protect its future

Kaspar Haehnle
November 20, 2025

Michigan State football and its offensive line has been anything but productive this season. It's been inefficient and inconsistent, ranks at the bottom of the FBS statically and has lost MSU game after game. In order for MSU to have a future, the offensive line must protect it.