Behind a dominant first half and a 26-point, 12-rebound performance from Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan controlled the rivalry showdown from start to finish, knocking off Michigan State 83–71 in East Lansing.
Michigan delivered a statement win in its rivalry with Michigan State on Friday night, pulling away from the Spartans for an 83–71 victory behind a dominant first half and a monster performance from Yaxel Lendeborg.
The Wolverines set the tone early and never really let it go. Michigan raced out to a 42–26 halftime lead, shooting 44% from the floor in the opening 20 minutes while holding the Spartans to just 36.7% for the game. By the time Michigan State found any offensive rhythm, the hole was already deep.
But the Spartans did not go away. After a quick 6-0 run to start the second half, MSU made it a game for much of the final 20 minutes. The Spartans were led almost entirely by Jeremy Fears Jr., who finished with a game-high 31 points on 9-of-20 shooting and a near-perfect 12-of-14 at the line. Fears kept Michigan State alive with tough drives and shot creation, particularly in the second half when MSU actually took a two-point lead with 6:55 remaining in the contest. Coen Carr added 10 points and seven rebounds, but consistent scoring help was hard to find.
For Michigan, Lendeborg was the engine all night. The junior forward finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds, going 6-of-13 from the field and an efficient 13-of-15 at the free-throw line. His physicality inside consistently bent Michigan State’s defense and allowed Michigan to control the paint and the glass. Whenever the Spartans threatened to make a run, Lendeborg seemed to answer with a bucket, a board, or both.
Lendeborg was Michigan's big dog, but Elliot Cadeau complemented him perfectly. The scrappy guard poured in 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting and knocked down three triples, while also dishing out six assists. Cadeau’s pace and decision-making helped Michigan keep its offense organized, especially during stretches when Michigan State tried to speed the game up in the second half.
Michigan’s balance was evident throughout the box score. Roddy Gayle Jr. and Morez Johnson Jr. each chipped in timely minutes, while Michigan shot a strong 38.1% from three-point range (8-of-21) and an outstanding 88.5% from the free-throw line. The Wolverines also took care of the ball, committing just 13 turnovers while converting Michigan State mistakes into points when needed.
Ultimately, Michigan’s early execution proved decisive. The Wolverines led for over 36 minutes, built their advantage with an 8–0 first-half run, and never allowed Michigan State to fully flip the momentum, despite a raucous crowd inside the Breslin Center. In a rivalry game that often swings on emotion, Michigan relied on poise, efficiency, and its star forward to secure a convincing win on the road.