Turnovers Doom No. 13 Michigan State in 86-65 Rivalry Loss to No. 7 Michigan

Michigan State couldn’t handle a pesky Wolverine squad, as mental lapses and scrappy Michigan play proved too much for the Spartans. Emphasized by 24 turnovers, Michigan State had no answer and ultimately fell 86-65 — the largest point differential between the two teams in this matchup.

The last time these two teams met was just a couple weeks ago in East Lansing. The Spartans held leads after every quarter until the end of regulation, when they found themselves battling back to tie the game and force overtime. In overtime, Michigan proved too strong and took home the victory, adding to a weekend sweep for the Wolverines over their in-state rival.

This game started out no different than the last. The Spartans and Wolverines were locked in a heated matchup early. Michigan State jumped out in front, pushing the lead to as much as eight and keeping the packed Crisler Arena quiet. They finished the first quarter with a six-point lead, 21-15.

The second quarter flipped the script entirely.

Michigan went on runs of 5-0, 7-0, and 10-0 — all in the same quarter. The Wolverines ramped up the physicality and defensive pressure, using their length to create turnover after turnover while also shooting with precision. Michigan pushed its lead to 14 with a minute remaining in the half. The Spartans added a three-point play before the buzzer but still entered halftime trailing 41-30.

The first half was defined by Michigan State’s lapses in judgment paired with Michigan’s ability to create chaos. The Spartans began forcing shots and appeared to lose trust in themselves and one another. By halftime, Michigan State had turned the ball over 16 times despite shooting 11-for-21 from the field — an unsustainable formula for winning. They were also being outworked on the glass, losing the offensive rebounding battle 10-1 in the first half.

The Spartans needed a surge of effort in the second half to climb back into the game.

Instead, the third quarter brought more of the same. The Wolverines extended their lead by four more points and tightened the defensive grip. Michigan carried a 65-50 advantage into the fourth quarter, leaving the Spartans ten minutes away from their second loss of the season to their rival.

In the fourth, the turnovers continued to pile up. Michigan State eclipsed 20 turnovers early in the quarter — a mark no team wants to reach. Entering the game, the Spartans ranked third in the conference in protecting the basketball, but Michigan got into their heads early and never let up.

Late in the fourth quarter, Julinn Woodard entered the game as the Spartans began turning to their bench. Woodard absorbed an accidental elbow from a teammate, and Crisler Arena fell silent as blood became visible on the court. Several Spartans were seen in tears while trying to gather themselves. Woodard was eventually able to stand and walked off to a standing ovation.

Now with four losses in their last five games, the Spartans must look in the mirror and decide how they want this season to be remembered — for their record-setting start or for how they close it. With two losses this week, Michigan State is expected to drop in the rankings. With only a few games remaining, a serious gut check is needed.