Tuesday, December 16, 2025

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Sports

SPORTS

MSU athletics battles through highs and lows across the board

From statement wins to tough losses, Michigan State athletics delivered another packed week across campus. Men’s basketball kept its early momentum but showed lingering concerns at the free-throw and three-point lines. No. 1 MSU hockey stayed perfect in Big Ten play with a road sweep at Notre Dame, while football’s skid extended despite a breakout performance from Elijah Tau-Tolliver. Women’s soccer rolled into the NCAA second round for the first time at home, and women’s hoops continued its dominant, high-pressure start behind a flawless outing from Isaline Alexander. Elsewhere, volleyball stumbled in two high-pressure matchups, cross country secured multiple All-Region honors and an NCAA bid, wrestling split its opening duals, and men’s tennis made program history with two seeded NCAA qualifiers.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball dominance leads to 4-0 start

Michigan State wasted no time overpowering Western Michigan, exploding out to an 18-0 start and never looking back in a dominant 98-44 win. A perfect 9-for-9 career-high performance from Isaline Alexander and a spark-filled night from Kennedy Blair fueled the Spartans’ surge, pushing MSU to a 4-0 start behind its most complete showing of the season.

FOOTBALL

MSU’s losing streak extends to seven as offense struggles to find consistency

Michigan State opened its final home game with a 57-yard jolt of energy, but the spark didn’t last. Behind an inconsistent offense, protection issues and a late collapse, the Spartans fell 28-10 to Penn State, ending their bowl hopes for the fourth straight season. Elijah Tau-Tolliver’s breakout performance kept MSU afloat, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a dominant Nittany Lion front and a inefficiency to convert on third down.

FOOTBALL

MSU's defense fades in 28-10 loss to Penn State

In Michigan States 28-10 loss to Penn State, its defense clawed and fought play after play. For three quarters it did this, playing with motivation and a willingness to get off the field. But when the fourth quarter began, these traits disappeared, and Penn State and its offense took advantage.

SPORTS

Pantheon 2025 levels up MSU’s Esports scene

MSU’s annual Pantheon esports tournament brought together 24 collegiate teams for a weekend of high-level competition across Rocket League, Valorant and Smash. The event showcased the growth of esports on campus and the expanding community behind it.

FOOTBALL

How MSU resists complete derailment amid six-game losing streak

Despite a six-game losing streak, Michigan State football continues to compete at a high level, showing resilience and effort in nearly every game. From close losses against rivals Michigan and Minnesota to leadership in the locker room, the Spartans remain committed, proving they can fight through adversity while keeping their season alive.