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No. 13 Michigan State Women's Basketball Hosts No. 9 Michigan in Top-15 Rivalry Matchup
Big Ten and NCAA seeding implications on the line as the in-state rivals meet for the first time as both ranked in the AP Top 15.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:31am
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The Michigan State women's basketball team, ranked No. 13 in the country, will host their in-state rival Michigan, ranked No. 9, in a highly anticipated Top-15 matchup on Sunday. This is the first time in the history of the Michigan State vs Michigan women's basketball series that the teams will meet while both being ranked in the Associated Press Top 15, and only the second time they have met while being in the Top 25.
Why it matters
This game carries significant Big Ten and NCAA tournament seeding implications for both teams as they vie for position in the highly competitive conference and national rankings. The historic nature of this Top-15 rivalry matchup also adds extra excitement and meaning to the game for the players, coaches, and passionate fan bases of these two storied programs.
The details
Michigan State and Michigan are both off to strong starts to the 2026 season, with the Spartans sitting at 13-3 overall and the Wolverines at 14-2. This will be the 71st all-time meeting between the two programs, with Michigan holding a 42-28 advantage in the series. The game will be broadcast nationally on FS1, giving it a big stage to showcase the talent and intensity of this in-state rivalry.
- The game will tip off at 12:00 PM EST on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The players
Michigan State Spartans
The Michigan State women's basketball team, currently ranked No. 13 in the country, is led by head coach Suzy Merchant and features a talented roster of players aiming to secure a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines women's basketball team, currently ranked No. 9 in the nation, is coached by Kim Barnes Arico and boasts a deep and experienced roster looking to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the Big Ten Conference.
What they’re saying
“For Michigan State fans who are hungry for another shot at Michigan on the basketball court, they'll get it today (Sunday) when Michigan State's women's team plays host to Michigan.”
— Jim Comparoni, Author
What’s next
The winner of this game will take a significant step towards securing a higher seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament, putting them in a stronger position to make a deep postseason run.
The takeaway
This Top-15 rivalry matchup between Michigan State and Michigan represents the continued growth and competitiveness of women's basketball in the Big Ten Conference, as two of the league's premier programs clash with major implications on the line.
