MSU Basketball Survives OT Thriller, Big Ten Hockey Race Heats Up

Press Pass recaps the week in Michigan sports, including MSU's close call, Michigan's big win, and the Pistons and Red Wings' playoff pushes.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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On this week's edition of Press Pass, hosts Jack Ebling and Sean Baligian are joined by MSU Beat Writer Connor Earegood to discuss the Spartans' overtime victory over Illinois and tough loss to Minnesota in men's basketball. The panel also breaks down Michigan's win over Ohio State, the tight race atop the Big Ten hockey standings, and the current playoff positioning for the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings.

Why it matters

Michigan State's up-and-down week in basketball has major implications for their NCAA Tournament hopes, while Michigan's win over their rival keeps them in the hunt for a Big Ten title. The Big Ten hockey race is heating up, and the Pistons and Red Wings are battling for playoff spots in the NBA and NHL, respectively.

The details

Michigan State narrowly escaped with an overtime win against Illinois but then suffered a disappointing loss to unranked Minnesota. Meanwhile, Michigan took down Ohio State in a key Big Ten basketball matchup. In hockey, the race for the Big Ten title is tight, with several teams jockeying for position. The Pistons are fighting to secure a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, while the Red Wings are in the mix for a wild card spot in the NHL's Eastern Conference.

  • On February 7, 2026, Michigan State defeated Illinois 75-72 in overtime.
  • On February 9, 2026, Michigan State lost to Minnesota 68-62.
  • On February 8, 2026, Michigan defeated Ohio State 62-58 in men's basketball.

The players

Connor Earegood

MSU Beat Writer for The Detroit News.

Jack Ebling

Host of the Press Pass sports show.

Sean Baligian

Versatile broadcaster and co-host of the Press Pass sports show.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough week for us, but I'm proud of the way the team fought back in that overtime win against Illinois.”

— Connor Earegood, MSU Beat Writer (Press Pass)

“The Big Ten hockey race is as tight as I've seen it in years. It's going to come down to the wire for those top spots.”

— Sean Baligian, Co-host (Press Pass)

What’s next

The Spartans will look to bounce back from their loss to Minnesota when they take on Purdue on February 12th. The Pistons and Red Wings will continue their playoff pushes in the coming weeks as the regular seasons wind down.

The takeaway

This week's edition of Press Pass highlighted the ups and downs of Michigan State basketball, the tight race atop the Big Ten hockey standings, and the playoff aspirations of the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings. With the NCAA Tournament and professional playoffs on the horizon, the sports landscape in Michigan remains as competitive and compelling as ever.