Wolverines down Spartans 90-80 in Big Ten Finale

Yaxel Lendeborg scores 27, No. 3 Michigan beats No. 8 Michigan State 90-80

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Yaxel Lendeborg scored 19 of his 27 points in the first half and Morez Johnson Jr. had 18 points, leading No. 3 Michigan in a 90-80 win over No. 8 Michigan State to give the Big Ten champions a 15th straight conference win Sunday. The Wolverines head to the conference tournament, hoping to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before shooting for the school's second national championship and first since 1989. The Spartans were swept by their rivals in the regular season, but might get a third shot against them in a week at the Big Ten Tournament final.

Why it matters

This win gives Michigan a 15th straight Big Ten conference victory and puts them in a strong position heading into the conference tournament, where they hope to earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans, despite being swept by their rivals in the regular season, may get another chance to face the Wolverines in the Big Ten Tournament final.

The details

In the emotionally charged first half, the Wolverines were called for two technical fouls as officials tried to keep the rivals in check. Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears drew attention for another kick toward an opponent's groin, receiving a technical foul after a video review showed he swung his right leg backward and into Elliot Cadeau.

  • The Wolverines head to the conference tournament this week.
  • The Spartans and Wolverines may face off again in the Big Ten Tournament final next week.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A player for the Michigan Wolverines who scored 27 points, 19 of them in the first half, to lead his team to victory.

Morez Johnson Jr.

A player for the Michigan Wolverines who scored 18 points in the game.

Jeremy Fears

The Michigan State Spartans point guard who received a technical foul for kicking toward the groin of an opponent.

Elliot Cadeau

A player for the Michigan Wolverines who was the target of Jeremy Fears' kick toward the groin.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game highlights the intense rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans, with the Wolverines emerging victorious and putting themselves in a strong position heading into the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament. The incident involving Jeremy Fears and Elliot Cadeau also underscores the emotional nature of this matchup.