No. 14 Michigan State showcased a powerful performance in the second half, defeating No. 12 Michigan 75-62 in a critical Big Ten matchup held in Ann Arbor. This victory marks an important moment for the Spartans as they claim first place in the Big Ten standings.
The Spartans (22-5, 13-3 Big Ten) turned around a four-point deficit at halftime by outscoring the Wolverines (20-6, 12-3) 41-24 in the second half, demonstrating their resilience and depth. Jase Richardson was the standout player for Michigan State, leading the scoring with 21 points, while Tre Holloman contributed significantly with 18 points.
In the first half, Michigan appeared to have the upper hand with Vladislav Goldin leading their charge, scoring 21 points and grabbing five rebounds. However, the Wolverines struggled offensively after the break, managing just 37.5% shooting and a bleak 1-for-10 from three-point range.
The turning point for Michigan State came midway through the second half when Holloman hit three consecutive three-pointers, sparking a 9-2 run that ultimately gave the Spartans the lead for good. The team’s defense continued to stifle Michigan, holding them without a field goal for nearly five minutes and forcing turnovers that helped generate vital transition points.
In addition to solid scoring, the Spartans dominated the rebounding game, finishing with a 34-25 advantage on the boards, which included 14 offensive rebounds that led to 15 second-chance points. Carson Cooper emerged as a key contributor off the bench, finishing with six points and eight rebounds, while Richardson and Jeremy Fears Jr. effectively managed playmaking duties.
With this win, Michigan State is well-positioned as they prepare for a rematch against Michigan on March 9 in East Lansing. Meanwhile, the Wolverines, having seen their six-game winning streak come to an end, will seek to bounce back swiftly with a game against Nebraska on the horizon.
This high-stakes competition not only reflects the intense rivalry between these two programs but also underscores the competitive nature of Big Ten basketball this season.