Michigan completes regular-season sweep of Michigan State in rivalry matchup

The Wolverines prevailed 90-80 in a chippy game that featured multiple technical fouls.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In a battle of Big Ten contenders, No. 3 Michigan defeated No. 8 Michigan State 90-80 to complete a regular-season sweep of their in-state rival. The game featured physical play, technical fouls, and standout performances from Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg and Michigan State's Jaxon Kohler. The Wolverines locked up the outright Big Ten championship and the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament with the victory.

Why it matters

This marks the first time since 2018 that Michigan has beaten Michigan State twice in the same season, underscoring the Wolverines' dominance in the rivalry. The game also had implications for NCAA Tournament seeding, with Michigan remaining on track for a No. 1 seed and Michigan State projected as a No. 3 seed.

The details

Michigan took control of the game with a 14-3 run in the second half, fueled by a pair of 3-pointers from freshman Trey McKenney. McKenney finished with 12 points, while Lendeborg led the Wolverines with 27 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including 5-for-6 from 3-point range. Michigan State's Jeremy Fears, an All-America candidate, was whistled for a technical foul in the first half for a backwards kick to the groin of Michigan's Elliot Cadeau.

  • Michigan locked up the outright Big Ten championship and the top seed in the upcoming Big Ten tournament with two games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

Michigan's star player who led the team with 27 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including 5-for-6 from 3-point range.

Jeremy Fears

Michigan State's All-America candidate point guard who was whistled for a technical foul in the first half for a backwards kick to the groin of Michigan's Elliot Cadeau.

Jaxon Kohler

Michigan State forward who had 23 points and 8 rebounds in the game.

Trey McKenney

Michigan freshman who hit a pair of 3-pointers to fuel a 14-3 run that helped the Wolverines take control of the game.

Morez Johnson

Michigan forward who scored 18 points in the victory.

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What’s next

Michigan remains on track for a No. 1 seed when the NCAA Tournament bracket is unveiled next week, while Michigan State was projected as a No. 3 seed in the most recent projections.

The takeaway

This chippy rivalry game between two Big Ten contenders highlighted the Wolverines' dominance over the Spartans this season, with Michigan completing the regular-season sweep and securing the outright conference championship. The game also had implications for NCAA Tournament seeding, with both teams jockeying for position ahead of the big dance.