Michigan State Falls to Michigan in Rivalry Showdown: 3 Key Takeaways from the Spartans’ Gritty Loss
When No. 7 Michigan State and No.
3 Michigan meet on the hardwood, you expect fireworks. And Friday night’s clash in East Lansing delivered just that-momentum swings, big-time performances, and a rivalry that lived up to its billing.
But when the dust settled, it was Michigan who walked away with the win, handing the Spartans a tough loss that exposed some familiar flaws and raised some pressing questions.
Here’s a closer look at the three biggest takeaways from Michigan State’s performance:
1. Another Slow Start, and This Time It Cost Them
Michigan State’s sluggish first halves have been a recurring theme this season-but against a top-three Michigan team, that kind of start proved too much to overcome. The Spartans found themselves in a 42-26 hole at halftime, outplayed and outpaced by a Wolverines squad that came out with more energy and sharper execution.
We saw hints of this trend earlier in the week when MSU let Rutgers hang around in the first half before pulling away. But this time, the opponent wasn’t going to let them off the hook. Michigan punished every missed rotation and every lazy closeout, and by the time the Spartans found their rhythm, the margin was already wide.
To their credit, Michigan State didn’t fold. They clawed their way back into the game and even took the lead in the second half-a testament to their resilience and conditioning.
But that early deficit forced them to expend so much energy just to get back in it, and by the closing minutes, they looked spent. Fatigue set in, shots came up short, and Michigan had just enough left to close it out.
If Michigan State wants to make a serious run in March, they’ve got to figure out how to flip the switch earlier. These slow starts might not always be fatal, but they’re playing with fire.
2. Jordan Scott Needs to Be in the Starting Five-Full Time
We’ve been inching toward this all season, but Friday night may have been the tipping point: it’s time for Jordan Scott to be a starter.
Tom Izzo gave Scott a look with the first unit in the second half, and the impact was immediate. His energy on both ends of the floor changed the tone of the game. In 26 minutes, Scott put up 10 points, grabbed four boards, added two steals and a block, and played the kind of defense that earns a coach’s trust in crunch time.
The original plan may have been to give Trey Fort or Kur Teng a shot at that spot-both are elite shooters with high ceilings-but neither has consistently brought the defensive intensity Izzo demands. Scott, on the other hand, has been a steady presence on that end, and he’s starting to find his offensive confidence too.
He doesn’t need to be the focal point-Michigan State has plenty of scoring options-but Scott brings balance to the lineup. He defends, he rebounds, and he doesn’t force the issue. Right now, that’s exactly what this team needs to settle into games faster and avoid those early deficits.
3. Jeremy Fears Was the Best Player on the Court-Again
In a game loaded with future NBA talent, Jeremy Fears stood above the rest.
The sophomore guard poured in a career-high 31 points and was the engine that powered Michigan State’s second-half surge. He attacked the rim, hit tough shots, and played with the kind of poise and intensity that you expect from a seasoned veteran-not a player still in the early stages of his college career.
Fears has been carrying a heavy offensive load all season, and he’s doing it while also locking in defensively. That’s a rare combination, and it’s why he’s firmly in the All-American conversation. He doesn’t just put up numbers-he leads, he competes, and he makes everyone around him better.
Even in a loss, Fears was the story. His performance was a reminder that Michigan State has one of the best guards in the country, and as long as he’s on the floor, they’ve got a chance against anyone.
Looking Ahead
This loss stings, no doubt. But there’s a lot for Michigan State to build on here. They went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country, erased a massive deficit, and showed flashes of what they can be when they’re locked in.
Now the challenge is consistency-starting games with urgency, finding the right lineup balance, and continuing to ride the brilliance of Jeremy Fears. If they can do that, this won’t be the last time we see them battling the nation’s best under the bright lights.