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Sports

SPORTS

MSU athletics stay active across the board

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

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

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

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.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU regroups late, avoids collapse in 74-68 win over USC

Michigan State women’s basketball survived a frantic fourth-quarter scare to defeat USC 74-68 at Breslin Center. The Spartans saw a double-digit lead nearly disappear before redshirt sophomore Kennedy Blair’s clutch and-one and senior Grace VanSlooten’s late steal sealed the victory. Despite shooting just 38.2% from the field, Michigan State’s defense and 19-for-24 free-throw shooting underscored a team message of resilience that has defined its season.

ICE HOCKEY

Dan Sturges leaves lasting mark on MSU hockey

Dan Sturges, former Spartan hockey player and Director of Hockey Operations at MSU died on Monday morning. He embodied what the Spartans strive to be: team players, competitors and students of the game. Sturges has left a lasting impact on MSU hockey and the community because of both his role and character.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey returns home to host Minnesota

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will return home, hosting Minnesota after spending two weekends on the road. The Gophers are the only team the Spartans have yet to play in conference action. MSU is 17-5-0 overall (8-4-0 in B1G). The Spartans are coming off a dominant a performance, competing against a Minnesota team with talented players but a poor record compared to its recent seasons.