Michigan Proves Resilience in Big Win Over Michigan State

Wolverines overcome hostile environment and rally to defeat rival Spartans

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:47am

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The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines walked into a hostile environment at Michigan State's Breslin Center and found themselves up by 18 points at one point. However, a furious rally by the No. 7 Spartans gave them a brief lead. The Wolverines were able to regain control and pull away for an 83-71 victory over their in-state rivals.

Why it matters

This win over a top-10 opponent on the road is a significant statement for the Wolverines, who have now proven they can win in different ways against tough competition. The victory also gives Michigan a half-game lead in the Big Ten Conference standings.

The details

Michigan head coach Dusty May was met with explicit chants from the Michigan State student section during pregame warmups, but he chose to embrace the hostile environment rather than shy away from it. Once the game started, the Wolverines jumped out to a big lead, only to see the Spartans mount a comeback and briefly take the lead. However, Michigan was able to regain its composure and pull away for the 12-point win.

  • Michigan walked into East Lansing and found itself up 18 points at one point in time.
  • A furious rally by No. 7 Michigan State gave the Spartans a short lead.
  • The Wolverines were able to kick it back in gear and walk away with a dominant 83-71 win over their bitter rivals.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team, who led his team to a big road win over their in-state rival Michigan State.

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What they’re saying

“I was actually just taking a peek. I thought when we pulled in, the students were still lined up down the block, and even when we rode in at the Kalamazoo entrance or whatever, there's a long line. And I saw those students, and I was like, okay, they're not in yet, but man, this is, like, we're building. This is a big time, there's a lot of anticipation for this game. And so I walked by, and I was greeted. As soon as I stuck my head out on the court, and at that point, I was like, there's no way I'm ducking and running from this smoke now.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

“This stuff doesn't bother me. And so I just let them get all their frustration and their animosity out early, and then that way they could enjoy the game. So I felt like I contributed to the environment just a little bit.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

The Wolverines will look to build on this big road win as they continue their push for the Big Ten title. Their next game is against Nebraska on February 5th.

The takeaway

This victory over a top-10 rival on the road shows the resilience and toughness of this Michigan team. They were able to withstand a hostile environment and a furious comeback to prove they can win in different ways against elite competition.