Michigan’s road win over Michigan State on Friday night wasn’t just a rivalry statement-it was a masterclass in composure, defense, and shot-making down the stretch. The Wolverines walked into the Breslin Center and left with a convincing double-digit win, thanks to a lockdown defensive effort and timely buckets from key contributors like Elliot Cadeau.
But the postgame headlines weren’t just about the scoreboard. Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo voiced his frustrations with the officiating, comments that stirred plenty of conversation. Izzo was visibly upset after the loss, and in the handshake line, he appeared to pass by Michigan head coach Dusty May without much acknowledgment-an icy moment in an already heated rivalry.
Tensions didn’t stop there. Michigan State fans took to social media to question May’s roster-building strategy, specifically his success in the transfer portal. It’s clear the Spartans faithful are feeling the sting of a rivalry loss at home, but the reality is this: Michigan earned this win on the floor.
Defensively, the Wolverines clamped down late, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities. Michigan State, typically strong on the boards, couldn’t establish their usual dominance in the paint. That shift in physicality and execution was a turning point, especially in the final 10 minutes.
Elliot Cadeau delivered when it mattered, hitting big shots that silenced the crowd and gave Michigan breathing room. On the other side, Jeremy Fears Jr. had some moments offensively, but his play also drew scrutiny-particularly a flagrant foul called during the game, and several other incidents that raised eyebrows.
Michigan coach Dusty May didn’t mince words postgame when asked about some of the physicality, specifically involving Yaxel Lendeborg.
“There are several plays that are very dangerous,” May said. “Film’s there.
Forty minutes of it. It’s not hard to find.”
The film indeed shows a series of questionable moments, including what appeared to be attempts to trip Lendeborg. One of those plays wasn’t called, but it caught the attention of analysts and fans alike. In a rivalry this intense, physical play is expected-but there’s a line, and some of those moments flirted with crossing it.
Fears is a talented young guard with a bright future, but Friday’s game was a reminder that poise and discipline matter, especially in high-stakes environments like this one. Michigan didn’t just win with talent-they won with control. They played through contact, stayed locked in defensively, and made the right plays when it counted.
Meanwhile, Michigan State struggled to find rhythm late and let frustration seep into their performance. The officiating may have drawn complaints, but the film tells a different story: Michigan controlled the tempo, neutralized the Spartans’ strengths, and walked out with a win that speaks louder than any postgame commentary.
In a rivalry as storied as this one, emotions run high. But when the dust settles, it’s the execution on the court that matters most-and on Friday night, Michigan had the edge in just about every category that counts.