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Sports | Hockey

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball drops road test vs. No. 11 Iowa

Michigan State women’s basketball walked into one of the Big Ten’s toughest road environments knowing it would be tested. Early foul trouble disrupted the Spartans’ rhythm, forcing key players to the bench and leaving MSU playing catch-up the rest of the night. Despite a stronger second half and a late push led by Rashunda Jones, Michigan State could not overcome its first-half deficit, falling 75-68 to No. 11 Iowa. The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak and highlighted the thin margin for error when facing elite opponents on the road.

ICE HOCKEY

Defense and execution power No. 4 MSU to a sweep of No. 2 Wisconsin

Prior to No. 4 Michigan State hockey’s matchup against No. 2 Wisconsin, MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said the road series would be a test — a test the Spartans passed. On Thursday night, MSU scored three goals in the second period to earn a 4-3 win. The Spartans didn’t let up the following night; rather, they improved with disciplined defense, strong execution and a stellar goaltender performance, en route to a 4-1 victory and a road sweep. 

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball grinds out 73-71 win over No. 24 Nebraska

Michigan State survived a thrilling late-game showdown with No. 24 Nebraska, edging the Cornhuskers 73-71 to secure a program-best 17-1 start. Junior guard Rashunda Jones and sophomore forward Juliann Woodard delivered clutch free throws in the final seconds, while senior guard Jalyn Brown made two critical defensive stops and hit a game-tying 3-pointer to keep the Spartans in control. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, MSU found ways to win, highlighting depth, resilience, and the advantage of playing at home under head coach Robyn Fralick’s dominant 35-4 record at the Breslin Center. The victory sets the stage for a road test Sunday against No. 11 Iowa in Iowa City.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 4 MSU hockey set for rebound at Wisconsin

After getting swept last November, No. 4 MSU hockey is set for a road contest against No. 2 Wisconsin. The series is set for Thursday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. EST and Friday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. EST. Thursday’s contest will be streamed on Big Ten Network. Both sides' offensive leaders remain the same, although both teams have grown throughout the last months. MSU looks to be the best version of itself, as in any competition.

ICE HOCKEY

Porter Martone earns Big Ten Second Star of the Week

No. 4 MSU hockey's Porter Martone was recognized by the Big Ten, earning Second Star of the Week for his weekend performance. Martone posted the best scoring in the conference with five points (3-2--5). He leads the team in goals with 14, ranking second in scoring (14-11--25). This is Martone’s second Big Ten honor of the season, as he was named Third Star on Nov. 18, 2025, following MSU’s sweep of Notre Dame. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey splits series with Ohio State

No. 2 MSU hockey resumed conference play on the road against Ohio State. On Friday night, the Spartans earned a 6-2 victory following a quick 4-0 lead in the first period. However, MSU lacked the same grit and execution the following night, falling 2-1 in a performance beneath the team’s standard. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey set for Ohio State road series

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will resume conference play against Ohio State, on the road. The series is set for Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. EST and Jan. 10, 5 p.m. EST on Big Ten Plus. MSU enters the series 14-4-0 overall with a 5-3-0 record in the Big Ten. The Spartans are 9-0 on the road (away and neutral sites), coming off a three-game win streak. Forwards Ryker Lee, Porter Martone, Eric Nilson and Shane Vansaghi are expected to return to the lineup after competing in World Juniors, an international ice hockey competition.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey stays busy ahead of exhibition before Big Ten play resumes

From international competition to tournament titles, there’s been plenty to keep a Spartan hockey fan busy. No. 3 Michigan State hockey earned its second-straight Great Lakes Invitational title, and will return to Munn Ice Arena for an exhibition game, hosting the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 4 p.m. EST. Additionally, four MSU forwards have been competing in the IIHF World Junior Championships, representing their respective countries. 

FOOTBALL

Alabama’s Nick Sheridan announced as MSU offensive coordinator

Michigan State has its answer at offensive coordinator. The Spartans are hiring Alabama co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan, a move that signals a fresh start for an offense that has struggled since its 11-2 season in 2021. With Big Ten experience, deep ties to the state of Michigan and a track record of quarterback development, Sheridan arrives in East Lansing as one of the most significant hires of Pat Fitzgerald’s early tenure.

ICE HOCKEY

Four MSU hockey players competing in World Juniors

Four members of the No. 3 Michigan State hockey team are competing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota, joined by future Spartan defenseman Chase Reid. Freshmen Ryker Lee, Porter Martone and Eric Nilson, along with sophomore Shane Vansaghi, earned spots on final World Juniors rosters, while Reid was named to Team USA. The tournament runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5 in St. Paul and Minneapolis, with all games broadcast on NHL Network.