Michigan Triumphs Over Michigan State
In a heated rivalry clash on Friday night, No. 3 Michigan triumphed over No. 7 Michigan State with a score of 83-71, firmly establishing themselves at the top of the Big Ten standings. The Wolverines showcased their depth with Yaxel Lendeborg leading the charge with an impressive 26 points and 12 rebounds. Support came from Elliot Cadeau, who contributed 17 points, and Morez Johnson, adding 12 to the team’s effort.
Game Highlights
This victory improved Michigan’s record to 20-1 overall and 10-1 within the conference, marking their sixth consecutive win, following a significant victory against Nebraska, who previously held an undefeated status. In contrast, the Spartans, now at 19-3 and 9-2 in Big Ten play, had a rough start to the game, struggling with their shooting accuracy as they made only seven baskets in the first half against 11 turnovers, trailing by as much as 18 points.
Second Half Comeback
As the second half unfolded, Michigan State mounted a comeback, fueled by a 13-2 scoring run that cut the deficit to just three points. A major turning point came when Jaxon Kohler hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 55 with just 7:57 on the clock. Ultimately, Jeremy Fears, who had a standout performance with a career-high 31 points, briefly gave the Spartans the lead at 57-55. However, Michigan swiftly countered with a series of accurate shots, converting five of six attempts while holding Michigan State scoreless for over three minutes to secure the victory.
Attendance and Future Matches
The game drew a packed crowd at Breslin Center, where notable figures such as Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and two-time World Series champion Kirk Gibson, a former Spartan athlete in both baseball and football, were in attendance. Michigan’s prowess from beyond the arc was evident, as they hit 8 of 21 three-point attempts, while Michigan State struggled significantly, missing 19 of their 23 long-range attempts.
Looking ahead, Michigan will next face Penn State at home on Thursday, while Michigan State travels to compete against Minnesota on Wednesday. The two rivals will meet again in a rematch set for March 8, concluding the regular season for both teams.
