Michigan State Edges Rutgers in Hard-Fought Matchup

Spartans survive late challenge to win 91-87 at home

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Michigan State held off a tough challenge from Rutgers on Thursday night, winning 91-87 in a close game at the Breslin Center. The Spartans maintained a modest lead for much of the second half, but Rutgers refused to fade, trading baskets and defensive stops until the final seconds.

Why it matters

This was an important Big Ten conference matchup between two teams looking to improve their postseason positioning. Michigan State entered the game as the stronger team, but Rutgers proved to be a formidable opponent, making this a hard-fought victory for the Spartans.

The details

Michigan State was led by strong performances from Jaden Carr and Malik Fears, who combined for 45 points to power the Spartans to the win. Rutgers kept the game close throughout, matching Michigan State's intensity on both ends of the floor.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Jaden Carr

A key player for Michigan State who had a strong performance in the win.

Malik Fears

Also a standout for Michigan State, contributing significantly to the team's victory.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Rutgers was going to give us their best shot, and they did. I'm proud of the way our guys battled and found a way to get the win.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State (Michigan State Athletics)

What’s next

Michigan State will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Rutgers will try to regroup and bounce back in their next game.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory showcases Michigan State's resilience and ability to win close games, even when challenged by a tough opponent like Rutgers. It was an exciting conference matchup that came down to the wire.