Wolverines Reclaim the Crown: Michigan Sweeps Spartans First Time Since 2014
Recap for Michigan Wolverines Basketball (Men) – Mar 8 highlights a day that will sting for Spartans fans and energize the rivalry heading into March. Inside Crisler Center, the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines handled the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans 90–80, completing a regular-season sweep. With the Big Ten championship already clinched prior to the game, a win wasn’t required, but you know the Wolverines wanted to take care of business.
For Michigan State, the loss doesn’t erase a strong season — but it does leave a bitter taste. Rivalry games always matter more, and this one carried championship stakes.
For Michigan, it was a coronation.
For Michigan State, it was a reminder that March is still coming — and revenge might still be on the table.
Michigan’s Shooting Was the Difference
The Wolverines didn’t dominate the game in every category. In fact, Michigan State held advantages in assists and points in the paint.
But Michigan controlled the areas that often decide modern college basketball games — three-point shooting and free throws.
Michigan shot:
- 45% from three (10-22)
- 90% from the line (26-29)
Michigan State shot:
- 33% from three (6-18)
- 80% from the line (16-20)
In a ten-point game, those margins add up quickly.
Every time the Spartans threatened to turn the momentum, Michigan answered with another perimeter shot or a trip to the line.
Yaxel Lendeborg Took Over
The biggest performance of the afternoon came from Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who completely controlled the first half.
Lendeborg finished with 27 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three-point range.
Michigan State simply never found an answer for him on the perimeter.
Whenever the Spartans closed the gap, Lendeborg delivered another momentum-swinging bucket.
It was the kind of performance rivalry games often hinge on — one player stepping into the moment and refusing to let his team lose.
Spartans Had Offensive Bright Spots
Despite the loss, Michigan State actually had several strong individual performances.
Jaxon Kohler was outstanding in the paint.
The Spartans center scored 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds.
Jeremy Fears Jr. added:
- 22 points
- 9 assists
- 37 minutes played
Carson Cooper chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds, giving Michigan State solid interior production.
The Spartans shot 45% from the field overall, which normally keeps you competitive.
But against a team shooting nearly 50% and hitting threes, it wasn’t enough.
The Game Turned Late
Michigan State made its final push midway through the second half.
The Spartans cut the deficit to 73-70 with under four minutes remaining, giving themselves a real chance to flip the game.
But Michigan immediately responded.
A quick scoring run — sparked by another Lendeborg three — pushed the lead back to multiple possessions and effectively ended the comeback attempt.
From there, Michigan closed the game at the free-throw line.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Michigan, the win caps an incredible regular season:
- 29-2 overall
- 19-1 in the Big Ten
That record ties the conference mark for wins in a season and locks up the outright Big Ten title.
For Michigan State, the loss drops the Spartans to:
- 25-6 overall
- 15-5 in conference
Still an excellent résumé heading into postseason play.
And if the bracket falls the right way in Chicago…
We may not have seen the last chapter of this rivalry yet.
📊 Stat Capsule
Game Leaders
🏀 Points
• MSU – Jaxon Kohler: 23
• Michigan – Yaxel Lendeborg: 27
🏀 Assists
• MSU – Jeremy Fears Jr.: 9
• Michigan – Yaxel Lendeborg: 3
Team Shooting
🎯 Field Goal %
• MSU: 45% (29-65)
• Michigan: 49% (27-55)
🎯 Three-Point %
• MSU: 33% (6-18)
• Michigan: 45% (10-22)
Hustle & Control
💪 Rebounds
• MSU: 32
• Michigan: 35
🔁 Turnovers
• MSU: 7
• Michigan: 10
🚫 Blocks
• MSU: 3
• Michigan: 7
The Bigger Picture
Michigan gets the banner.
Michigan State gets the motivation.
And if both teams keep winning in March, the Big Ten Tournament — or even the NCAA bracket — could give us Round Three of the best rivalry in the conference.
What did you think of the matchup — and would you want to see this matchup again in the Big Ten Tournament? Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Spartans Sound Off or Wolverine Wire — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
