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Sports | Football 1087

SPORTS

Spartan athletics continue to grind across the board

Michigan State endured a turbulent week across multiple sports, highlighted by back-to-back men’s basketball losses, statement rivalry wins in hockey and gymnastics, and continued consistency from several programs. While the Spartans struggled to close games on the hardwood, MSU hockey swept Penn State, women’s gymnastics secured a historic top-15 rivalry victory, and wrestling snapped its Big Ten skid at home. With top-10 matchups, rivalry clashes and multiple seasons just getting underway, Michigan State now looks ahead to a pivotal stretch across the athletic department.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey set for rivalry matchup at No. 1 Michigan

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will face off against No. 1 Michigan this weekend, opening the two-game series at Yost Ice Arena before concluding it at Little Caesar’s Arena for their annual Duel in the D contest. The series will impact who wins the Big Ten regular-season title. Getting to the inside offensively will be key to the Spartans' success.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU prepares for top-25 clash against struggling Maryland squad

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.

SPORTS

One-point wonder: MSU tops Michigan in rivalry duel

Michigan State narrowly defeated Michigan 197.525-197.425 this afternoon at Crisler Center in a Big Ten gymnastics competition themed by the close finish of the meet in the last rotation. Excellent individual performances led to one of the most closely contested results in the last several years of this rivalry.