Spartans Secure Key Victory in Pursuit of Big Ten Title

Michigan State basketball drew closer to clinching the Big Ten regular season title by defeating one of its closest rivals. The eighth-ranked Spartans triumphantly overcame third-place and 12th-ranked Wisconsin in a packed Breslin Center on Sunday afternoon, winning 71-62. This victory propels them half a game ahead of Michigan as the season approaches its final stretch. With this win, MSU earns a double-bye directly into the quarterfinals of the 15-team Big Ten tournament, slated to begin March 12 in Indianapolis.

The Spartans, now boasting a 24-5 overall and 15-3 Big Ten record, tightened their defense in the game’s last moments against the Badgers (22-7, 12-6). This strategic shift expanded their narrow lead into a decisive victory. During a pivotal 8-0 stretch in the final minute, Richardson facilitated three consecutive layups, pushing MSU to a 70-60 lead. Jaden Akins was instrumental, posting a team-high 19 points and sinking four 3-pointers in the first half.