Elite defense clashes as No. 3 Michigan faces No. 8 Michigan State. Get bold predictions for a pivotal rivalry showdown with massive postseason stakes.
No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 8 Michigan State: A Top-10 Regular Season Finale
The most anticipated basketball rivalry in the state of Michigan reaches a fever pitch this Sunday, March 8, as the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines host the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans at the Crisler Center. With a tip-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS, this "Maize Out" Senior Day game is far more than just a clash for bragging rights; it is a battle between two of the nation's elite defensive units with massive postseason implications.
Michigan enters the contest following a historic 71-68 road win at Iowa, which secured a perfect 11-0 road record for the season—the first time a Big Ten team has achieved such a feat since Indiana in 1976. Meanwhile, Tom Izzo’s Spartans have won five straight games, including a marquee road win at Purdue, and are looking to avenge an 83-71 loss to the Wolverines earlier this season in East Lansing.
As Dusty May and Tom Izzo prepare for their second head-to-head meeting, here are three bold predictions for the rematch in Ann Arbor.
1. Yaxel Lendeborg Records a Rare 20-20 Double-Double
In the first meeting on January 30, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg dominated the paint with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Since then, he has only grown more effective, most recently leading the team in scoring against Iowa. Michigan State’s frontcourt, anchored by Jaxon Kohler (9.2 RPG) and Carson Cooper (7.1 RPG), has struggled to contain Lendeborg's versatility.
Expect Lendeborg to capitalize on his Senior Day emotions and a raucous home crowd to become the first player in this rivalry’s modern era to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a single game. His ability to control both backboards will be the deciding factor in preventing MSU from getting second-chance opportunities.
2. Jeremy Fears Jr. Explodes for a Career-High 35+ Points
The narrative following the first matchup was dominated by a "tripping" controversy involving MSU point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and Lendeborg, which led to a public exchange between May and Izzo. Fears has responded to the noise by becoming MSU’s leading scorer, recently dropping a career-high 29 points against Rutgers.
Michigan’s perimeter defense, led by Elliot Cadeau, is elite, but the Spartans rely heavily on Fears to create his own shot when their assisted-basket rate (currently 3rd nationally) is stifled. Prediction: Fears will channel the "villain" energy of the Crisler Center and explode for over 35 points, single-handedly keeping the Spartans within striking distance until the final minutes.
3. The "Maize Out" Defense Holds MSU to Under 20% from Three
In their January meeting, the Spartans shot a dismal 17% (4-of-23) from behind the arc. While some regression to the mean is expected, Michigan’s three-point defense ranks among the best in conference play.
The atmosphere at Crisler Center for a Top-10 rivalry game often makes shooting difficult for visitors. Despite Coen Carr's recent hot streak from deep (58.3% over his last five games), Michigan's length and close-outs will force the Spartans into contested, late-clock heaves. The Wolverines will hold the Spartans to another sub-20% performance from downtown, effectively neutralizing MSU's perimeter threats.
Team
Overall Record
Conference Record
AP Rank
Michigan
28-2
18-1
No. 3
Michigan State
25-5
15-4
No. 8
Roundtable's own Brandon Brown and yours truly will be live from Ann Arbor for live coverage from Crisler Center. Look for pre and post game updates along with live footage throughout the game.