Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan walked into the Breslin Center on Friday night and walked out with its first road win over Michigan State since 2018, defeating the Spartans 83–71 in a rivalry matchup that swung dramatically between halves. The Wolverines controlled the opening 20 minutes, holding MSU to 26.9% shooting and 16.7% from 3 while hitting 41.7% of their own. Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg led the charge with 26 points and 12 rebounds, helping Michigan build a 42–26 halftime lead and move into first place in the Big Ten.
But Michigan State surged out of the locker room with renewed energy, sparked by sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and his relentless pace. MSU opened the second half on a 15–4 run and eventually took a 57–55 lead after a Fears steal and layup, part of his career‑high 31‑point performance. “They went on that run, like we went on ours,” Fears told WJR correspondent Nic Fardella afterward.
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(CONTINUED) Fears said the exhausting comeback, MSU outscoring Michigan 31–13 to start the half, ultimately left the Spartans vulnerable late. He pointed to turnovers, missed opportunities and a first‑half hook‑and‑hold call on freshman forward Cam Ward that Michigan turned into a five‑point swing. “It takes a lot, when you start slow and you’re always crawling and fighting back. Every bucket hurts,” Fears said. He praised freshman forward Jordan Scott, who added 10 points and key defensive plays, calling him “a spark” in the rally.
Despite MSU tying the game multiple times, Michigan steadied itself with timely shooting, including a crucial 3 from senior forward Will Tschetter. The Wolverines finished 8 of 21 from deep, while MSU struggled to 4 of 23. The loss, MSU’s third of the season, echoed the narrow margins the Spartans have faced. “All of our losses have been one or two plays, this is how March will be,” Fears said.
MSU heads on the road Wednesday to face Minnesota.
