Thursday, April 2, 2026

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

Sports | Hockey

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU drops third straight home game to No. 2 UCLA

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.

FOOTBALL

Fitzgerald secures homegrown talent and depth in his first MSU class

One word to describe Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald's first recruiting cycle would be a “whirlwind,” assembling a 30-player class built around in-state talent and transfer portal experience. Highlighted by the retention of Michigan’s top wide receiver Samson Gash and key veteran additions in the trenches, the Spartans’ 2026 class reflects Fitzgerald’s vision of rebuilding MSU through high school development, competitive depth and culture.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey shuts down Michigan, climbs to top of Big Ten and nation

After dropping the series opener 4-3 in overtime, No. 2 Michigan State hockey faced No. 1 Michigan at Little Caesar’s Arena for their annual Duel in the D contest. The Spartans took an early lead that they built upon throughout the night. Despite giving up a couple goals, MSU's defense earned it a 5-2 victory. With the win, the Spartans take first place in the Big Ten standings, leading Michigan by just one point. The rivalry win was necessary for the Spartans to have a shot at regular-season conference champs. 

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.