Michigan State takes control of Big Ten with 75-62 win over Michigan
Jase Richardson led the charge for Michigan State as they secured a crucial 75-62 victory over Michigan in a Big Ten showdown. Richardson put up an impressive 21 points, while Tre Holloman added 18 points to propel the Spartans to the top of the conference standings.
With this win, Michigan State (22-5, 13-3) has now won three consecutive games, solidifying their position as the team to beat in the highly competitive Big Ten. On the other hand, Michigan (20-6, 12-3) suffered their first loss in seven games, slipping out of first place in the conference.
Vladislav Goldin led the scoring for Michigan with 21 points, supported by Danny Wolf’s 11 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, as well as Nimari Burnett’s 12 points. Despite trailing 38-34 at halftime, the Spartans turned the tide with Carson Cooper’s dunk early in the second half, seizing control of the game.
Richardson, who earned his first start of the season earlier in February, continued his impressive form by scoring in double digits in every game since then, including the clash against Michigan. Jaden Akins contributed 11 points, while Jeremy Fears added 10 points for Michigan State, who shot 9 of 22 from beyond the arc.
In terms of takeaways, Michigan State, under the guidance of coach Tom Izzo, has positioned themselves as serious contenders for the Big Ten title. The Spartans have key games remaining against other conference powerhouses, including Wisconsin, Maryland, and a rematch against Michigan on March 9.
On the other side, Michigan made headlines off the court with the announcement of a multiyear contract extension for coach Dusty May, affirming his commitment to the program. This move came just hours before the game against Michigan State, signaling stability and continuity for the Wolverines moving forward.
A key moment in the game was Holloman’s three 3-pointers in quick succession during the second half, which helped Michigan State establish a commanding lead. Additionally, the Spartans’ depth proved to be a decisive factor, as their bench outscored Michigan’s reserves 31-13.
Looking ahead, Michigan will face Nebraska next, while Michigan State will travel to Maryland for their next matchup. The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the key moments and statistics from the game.
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