News Summary
In a thrilling final game of the regular season, the Michigan State Spartans triumphed over the Michigan Wolverines with a commanding 79-62 victory. This win, achieved on March 9, 2025, sends the Spartans into the Big Ten Tournament with strong momentum. Michigan, while finishing their season with a solid record, will need to regroup before their tournament appearance. Standout performances from both teams, including notable individual achievements, set the stage for an exciting postseason ahead.
Michigan State Shines Bright in Final Game Against Michigan
In East Lansing, the Michigan State Spartans brought the heat on March 9, 2025, defeating the Michigan Wolverines in a decisive manner with a score of 79-62. This thrilling matchup marked the conclusion of the regular season, sending Michigan State into the upcoming Big Ten Tournament with plenty of momentum while leaving Michigan to ponder their strategy heading into the postseason.
The Wolverines, who were ranked No. 17, wrapped up their regular-season journey with a record of 22-9, boasting a solid 14-6 record in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, the Spartans, ranked No. 8, improved their impressive season tally to 26-5 overall and 17-3 in the conference, proudly claiming the outright Big Ten Championship by a whopping three games.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a rocky start for the Wolverines as they struggled offensively, racking up an uncharacteristic five turnovers in just the first three and a half minutes. This shaky beginning allowed the Spartans to quickly build an early lead of 8-3. Michigan felt the pressure, and before they knew it, Michigan State pushed their advantage to 20-6. The Wolverines made only six field goals in the first seven minutes, which truly showcased their struggle.
Nimari Burnett sparked a flicker of hope for Michigan with a three-pointer, and Vladislav Goldin poured in four consecutive points, bringing the score to 23-13. However, the Spartans answered right back with a robust 8-0 run, extending their dominance to an impressive 31-13 before closing the first half with a substantial lead of 50-28.
Goldin and Wolf Shine Bright
Goldin emerged as a star for Michigan, pouring in a whopping 29 points along with six rebounds, marking his sixth game with over 20 points in the last seven outings. Danny Wolf also made a formidable contribution, notching a double-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. Not only was Wolf’s performance instrumental in the game, but it also marked his 13th double-double of the season, tying him for the most in the Big Ten.
The second half continued to be a challenge for Michigan as they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, shooting a mere 3-for-13 in the first six minutes. Nevertheless, Goldin opened the half dynamite-style, scoring the first five points for his team. The Wolverines mounted a spirited comeback with a sudden 14-0 run, cutting the deficit to 61-50, but Michigan State quickly regained control, outscoring Michigan 18-12 in the closing moments to seal the victory.
Looking Ahead
Now with an eye on the future, Michigan’s attention shifts to the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis, which runs from March 12-16. The Wolverines enter as the No. 3 seed and benefit from a double-bye to the quarterfinals, where they’ll take on either Purdue or the winner of the No. 11 vs. No. 14 matchup. Fans are eager to see how this season pans out, with their first tournament game set for 9 PM on March 14.
In addition to the impressive performances from Goldin and Wolf, Michigan’s Rubin Jones achieved notable milestones of 150 career three-pointers and 150 career steals during the game. Meanwhile, Michigan State’s freshman sensation, Jase Richardson, shined as well, contributing 18 points and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors for a third consecutive time. His recent improvements on the court have been remarkable, averaging 16.9 points and 4.8 rebounds since earning a starting spot.
As the Spartans head into the tournament, they look formidable. Having won their last seven games, including five against ranked opponents, they are positioned as strong contenders for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. With Coach Tom Izzo at the helm, Michigan State will open their Big Ten journey on Friday, March 14, against the victor of the Indiana vs. Oregon game. Buckle up, basketball fans—this postseason is shaping up to be an exciting ride!
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: Michigan State’s NCAA Tournament Prospects
- 247Sports: Jase Richardson’s Freshman Honors
- ESPN: Michigan-Michigan State Scrimmage Incident
- Detroit Free Press: Holloman’s Play Leads Spartans
- Wikipedia: College Basketball
