Michigan Sweeps Rival Michigan State in Basketball Rivalry

Wolverines head coach Dusty May reflects on heated matchup and future of the rivalry

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team concluded its regular season with a 90-80 victory over rival No. 8 Michigan State on Sunday afternoon. The victory marked the first time since the 2013-14 season that the Wolverines have swept the Spartans in a home-and-home series. Michigan head coach Dusty May commented on the intensity of the rivalry, saying he 'didn't know how big this rivalry was' but that he 'likes it, it's fun.'

Why it matters

The Michigan-Michigan State basketball rivalry is one of the most intense in college sports, with the two programs battling for in-state supremacy. The Wolverines' sweep of the Spartans this season is significant, as it marks the first time in over a decade that Michigan has accomplished the feat.

The details

The game saw high tensions, with three technical fouls called in the first half, including one on Michigan State star Jeremy Fear Jr. who has been known for dirty plays this season. After the game, Dusty May addressed the rivalry, saying he didn't initially understand the magnitude but now sees it as 'a lot of fun.' May also commented on the 'chants throughout student sections' that he doesn't agree with, specifically mentioning the 'little brother' chant directed at Michigan State.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Michigan concludes the regular season 29-2 overall, while MSU finishes its 2025-26 regular season campaign 25-6.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team.

Jeremy Fear Jr.

A star player for the Michigan State Spartans who has been known for dirty plays this season.

Trey McKenney

A player for the Michigan Wolverines who celebrated after making a 3-pointer against Michigan State during the second half.

Nimari Burnett

A Michigan Wolverines guard who dribbled the ball while defended by Michigan State forward Jordan Scott in the first half.

Jordan Scott

A Michigan State Spartans forward who defended Michigan guard Nimari Burnett in the first half.

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What they’re saying

“No (it isn't going overboard), I think it is a lot of fun. I didn't know how big this rivalry was. I know I caught a lot of heat from last year when I didn't know their traditions after senior night… There are some chants throughout student sections that I don't agree with, that I wouldn't want to say and I don't like them with kids in. You turn on your TV and it is a part of the competitive environment. Is it toxic? I don't know. I thought those players on the court both games battled.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines (si.com)

“Guys, I am worried about our guys and our program, period. The 30 years or whatever they've (MSU) been going to the tournament every year and the way those guys play every single year… Hats off to them… They are going to be coming after us next year and we are going to be coming after them.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines (si.com)

What’s next

Michigan will now turn its focus to the Big Ten Tournament, where it'll serve as the top overall seed. For the Spartans, they enter as the No. 3 seed, with the only chance of the two squads facing being in the Big Ten Championship.

The takeaway

The heated Michigan-Michigan State basketball rivalry remains one of the most intense in college sports, with both programs battling for in-state supremacy. While the rivalry can get 'toxic' at times, Michigan head coach Dusty May sees it as 'a lot of fun' and is focused on his team's continued success, with the Wolverines and Spartans set to battle again next season.