Michigan Wolverines Basketball Defeats Michigan State

Wolverines conclude historic regular season with 90-80 win over rivals

Mar. 9, 2026 at 1:24am

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The Michigan Wolverines basketball team defeated their in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans, 90-80 to finish the regular season with a 29-2 overall record and a 19-1 mark in Big Ten play. The win caps off one of the best regular seasons in program history for the Wolverines.

Why it matters

The victory over Michigan State solidifies Michigan's status as one of the top teams in the country and a favorite to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines have had an exceptional season, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the Big Ten and a potential national championship contender.

The details

In the game, the Wolverines were led by a balanced scoring attack, with several players contributing double-digit points. The team's strong performance on both ends of the floor allowed them to pull away from the Spartans and secure the win.

  • The game took place on March 9, 2026.
  • The win concluded the Wolverines' regular season schedule.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

The men's basketball team of the University of Michigan, a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Michigan State Spartans

The men's basketball team of Michigan State University, a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“This win over our in-state rivals is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaching staff. We're excited to carry this momentum into the postseason.”

— Juwan Howard, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

The Wolverines will now turn their attention to the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to build on their successful regular season and make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

Michigan's dominant performance against Michigan State solidifies their status as one of the top teams in college basketball and a legitimate contender for a national championship. The Wolverines' historic regular season has set them up for a potentially historic postseason.