In a thrilling showdown at Crisler Center, the Michigan Wolverines took down their in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans, 90-80. That win didn’t just look good on paper—it sent a message and put Michigan’s stamp on the Big Ten.
Michigan’s dominance was on full display. The game was packed with standout moments and strategic moves that could really shape how both teams fare in the postseason.
Michigan Seizes Control of the In-State Rivalry
It’s wild to think how much this rivalry has shifted. For years, Tom Izzo and the Spartans seemed to have Michigan’s number, but not this season.
With an 83-71 win back in January and now Sunday’s victory, Michigan swept the regular-season series for the first time since 2013-14. That’s a big deal for fans on both sides.
The Dusty May Effect
Head coach Dusty May has really changed the vibe in Ann Arbor. Since he took over, the Wolverines have become a powerhouse, thanks in part to hitting the transfer portal and landing guys like Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara.
These additions have made Michigan one of the toughest teams in college basketball. They’re sitting at an incredible 28-2 overall, with a 19-1 record in the Big Ten.
May’s modern approach and knack for strategy have boosted Michigan’s game. It’s got them in line for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and honestly, they just look deeper and more athletic than their rivals right now.
Yaxel Lendeborg’s Crucial Role
Yaxel Lendeborg has been a huge difference-maker for Michigan. In this game, his performance was even more important with backup point guard L.J. Cason out due to a torn ACL.
Stepping Up When It Matters
Lendeborg’s perimeter shooting came alive at just the right time. He hit five of his six three-point shots and racked up a game-high 27 points.
That’s now three straight games with at least two threes for him, and his third 20-point outing since mid-December. With Cason sidelined, Lendeborg’s ability to stretch the floor is going to matter even more as March rolls in.
Michigan State’s Bench Woes
Bench production—or lack of it—was a big story in this one. Michigan’s reserves gave them a real boost, while Michigan State’s bench just couldn’t get much going.
Lack of Depth
With the score tied at 61-61 and just over 11 minutes left, Michigan State’s bench had only managed six points, all from Kur Teng. Meanwhile, Michigan’s bench, led by Roddy Gayle Jr. and Trey McKenney, put together a 10-3 run that broke things open.
This lack of depth has been a problem for the Spartans all season—they’re ranked 171st nationally in bench points per game. If they want to make noise in the postseason, they’ll need more from their reserves. That’s just the reality.
Physicality and Extracurricular Activity
This game was physical from the jump, with plenty of heated moments. Technical fouls, video reviews, and some testy exchanges kept the energy high.
Jeremy Fears Jr. in the Spotlight
Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State’s guard, found himself in the middle of controversy again. He was hit with a technical for kicking Michigan’s Elliott Cadeau in the groin, which obviously didn’t sit well with Wolverines fans or coaches.
It’s not even the first time—he had a similar incident in the last matchup with an intentional foul on Lendeborg. The chippy play led to a lot of whistles and a pretty chaotic start, but Michigan managed to keep their cool and made the most of their free throws.
Looking Ahead
For Michigan, this win over Michigan State was all about pride. They’d already locked up the Big Ten regular-season title and a No. 1 seed for the conference tournament.
Still, there’s a bigger fight brewing—they’re neck-and-neck with Duke for the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. That’s something to keep an eye on as the madness approaches.
Michigan State’s Path Forward
Michigan State had a lot riding on this one. The Spartans were hoping for the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, but Nebraska’s win over Iowa knocked them down to No. 3.
Coach Tom Izzo and his crew have some things to sort out, especially the bench depth and the team’s physicality. They’ll need to figure that out with the conference tournament coming up fast.
Both squads are heading into the postseason, and honestly, who knows what kind of fireworks we’ll see next? If you’re after the nitty-gritty details or just want to dig deeper, the full article’s over at Fox Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
