In an electrifying showdown, the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines surprised everyone, including Tom Izzo on his 71st birthday, by defeating the No. 7 Michigan State Spartans 83-71 at Breslin Center.
This victory was particularly sweet for Michigan, as they hadn’t won in East Lansing since 2018. The Spartans came into the game with a strong 19-2 record, having recently edged out Rutgers. With only one Big Ten loss to No. 5 Nebraska, Michigan State was a formidable opponent.
From the start, the Wolverines showcased impressive defense, building a 16-point lead by halftime. The Spartans rallied in the second half, chipping away at Michigan’s lead, but the Wolverines kept their composure in the final minutes.
Star player Yaxel Lendeborg shined, scoring 26 points and playing stellar defense. He was a relentless presence on the court, helping Michigan secure those important extra possessions.
Tom Izzo’s teams are known for their defensive prowess, but Michigan’s defense dominated in the first half. They limited the Spartans to just 27% shooting and forced them into 11 turnovers. Despite a late surge from MSU, with a notable 9-0 run, Michigan managed to regain control, thanks to clutch free throws and key baskets from players like Lendeborg.
Trey McKenney, a freshman guard, also made a mark, scoring 10 points. His ability to perform under pressure bodes well for Michigan’s future, especially as they gear up for the NCAA Tournament.
Historically, teams with strong late-game performances often find success. In recent tournaments, data shows that teams leading at the 5-minute mark win about 85% of the time. Michigan showed they could be one of those teams with their ability to execute when it mattered most.
Looking ahead, Michigan will continue their campaign at home against Penn State before traveling to Columbus to take on Ohio State. This game not only highlighted their resilience but also set the stage for an exciting end to the season.
For more insights on the latest NCAA statistics, you can check out reports from NCAA.com.
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