Michigan Wolverines Celebrate Victory Over Michigan State

Coach Dusty May and players react to 12-point win over rival Spartans

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:47pm

The Michigan Wolverines basketball team, led by head coach Dusty May, celebrated a decisive 83-71 victory over in-state rival Michigan State on Friday night at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Following the game, May and several key players, including graduate forward Yaxel Lendeborg, junior guard Elliot Cadeau, and freshman guard Trey McKenney, met with the media to discuss the team's performance and reaction to the big win.

Why it matters

The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is one of the most intense in college basketball, and this victory gives the Wolverines an important edge over their longtime foes. The win also boosts Michigan's standing in the Big Ten conference and NCAA tournament picture as the season enters its final stretch.

The details

Michigan pulled away in the second half to secure the 12-point victory, led by strong performances from several players. The Wolverines shot the ball efficiently and played stifling defense to limit the Spartans' scoring opportunities.

  • The game was played on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A graduate forward on the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

Elliot Cadeau

A junior guard on the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

Trey McKenney

A freshman guard on the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We must have played our best game of the season tonight. The team really came together and executed our game plan to perfection.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

“This was a huge win for us, not just on the court but for our confidence and momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Graduate Forward

What’s next

The Wolverines will look to build on this victory as they continue their Big Ten schedule, with key matchups against ranked opponents on the horizon.

The takeaway

Michigan's decisive win over their in-state rivals demonstrates the team's growth and potential to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament this season.