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Sports | Football 1087

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women's basketball drops overtime heartbreaker to Michigan

Tyler Gaylord
February 1, 2026

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.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Michigan State women set to clash with Michigan in top-15 showdown

Tyler Gaylord
January 31, 2026

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.

SPORTS

MSU athletics stay active across the board

The State News Sports Desk
January 30, 2026

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

Audrey Dayton
January 29, 2026

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

Tanya Arora
January 25, 2026

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

Audrey Dayton
January 23, 2026

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.