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Michigan Defeats Michigan State in Top-10 Matchup
Wolverines' transfer-heavy roster outpaces Spartans' homegrown talent
Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:39pm
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In a highly anticipated regular-season matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans, the Wolverines emerged victorious with an 83-71 win. The game featured a clash of coaching styles, with Michigan's Dusty May embracing the transfer portal to build his roster, while Michigan State's Tom Izzo relied on developing homegrown talent. The Wolverines' transfer additions, including Yaxel Lendeborg, Elliot Cadeau, and Morez Johnson Jr., led the way, while the Spartans struggled to find consistent scoring outside of point guard Jeremy Fears Jr.
Why it matters
This game highlighted the growing divide in college basketball between programs that have fully embraced the transfer portal and those that have stuck to more traditional roster-building methods. Michigan's willingness to aggressively pursue high-profile transfers paid off, while Michigan State's reliance on player development was not enough to overcome the Wolverines' talent advantage.
The details
The Wolverines jumped out to an early lead, thanks to a stifling defensive performance that forced 11 Michigan State turnovers in the first half. Michigan's front line, led by the 7-foot-3 Aday Mara, caused problems for the Spartans throughout the game. Despite a second-half comeback attempt by Michigan State, the Wolverines were able to pull away late, led by Lendeborg's 26 points and 12 rebounds.
- The Wolverines led for nearly 37 minutes in the game.
- Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo received a technical foul in the waning moments of the game.
The players
Yaxel Lendeborg
A 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward who transferred to Michigan from UAB and scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the game.
Elliot Cadeau
A guard who transferred to Michigan from North Carolina and scored 17 points and dished out 6 assists.
Morez Johnson Jr.
A forward who transferred to Michigan from Illinois and contributed 12 points and 4 rebounds.
Jeremy Fears Jr.
Michigan State's point guard, who led the Spartans with 12 points and 11 assists.
Tom Izzo
Michigan State's Hall of Fame head coach, who has relied on developing homegrown talent throughout his career.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The rematch between Michigan and Michigan State is scheduled for March 8 at Crisler Center, and it could have significant implications for both teams' postseason seeding.
The takeaway
This game highlighted the growing divide in college basketball between programs that have fully embraced the transfer portal and those that have stuck to more traditional roster-building methods. Michigan's willingness to aggressively pursue high-profile transfers paid off, while Michigan State's reliance on player development was not enough to overcome the Wolverines' talent advantage.
