Michigan State Falls Short in Top 10 Rivalry Matchup

Spartans coach Tom Izzo takes exception to 'little brother' chant after loss to Michigan

Mar. 9, 2026 at 6:11am

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Michigan State closed out the regular season with a 10-point loss against in-state rival Michigan in a game where Spartan point guard Jeremy Fears earned a technical foul and coach Tom Izzo took exception to the 'little brother' chant directed at his program. Despite the loss, Michigan State seniors Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper combined for 41 points and the Spartans should feel bullish entering postseason play.

Why it matters

This rivalry game between two Top 10 teams had major implications for seeding and momentum heading into the postseason. Michigan State’s loss, coupled with Izzo’s heated response to the 'little brother' chants, will likely be a major talking point leading up to the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

The details

Michigan State’s Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper combined for 41 points, with Kohler having one of his best games as an inside-outside scorer. However, a technical foul on Jeremy Fears early in the game created an obstacle for the Spartans to overcome. Izzo defended Fears, calling the incident unintentional, but the technical will continue to generate scrutiny. Izzo also made headlines by responding emphatically to the 'little brother' chants from Michigan fans, saying 'I’m nobody’s damn little brother,' though his comments may only make things worse for the next matchup.

  • Michigan State closed out the regular season with this loss on March 9, 2026.
  • The Spartans and Wolverines will next face off in the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago on Friday.

The players

Jaxon Kohler

A Michigan State senior who combined with teammate Carson Cooper for 41 points in the loss, with Kohler having one of his better games as an inside-outside scorer.

Carson Cooper

A Michigan State senior who combined with teammate Jaxon Kohler for 41 points in the loss, providing activity around the basket.

Jeremy Fears

Michigan State’s embattled point guard who was assessed a technical foul for an incident Izzo described as unintentional, but which will continue to generate scrutiny.

Tom Izzo

The Michigan State head coach who defended Fears and took exception to the 'little brother' chants from Michigan fans, though his comments may only make things worse for the next matchup.

Elliot Cadeau

The Michigan point guard who was involved in the incident that led to Fears’ technical foul.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Spartans and Wolverines will next face off in the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago on Friday.

The takeaway

This rivalry game highlighted the intensity of the Michigan State-Michigan basketball rivalry, with the technical foul on Fears and Izzo’s heated response to the 'little brother' chants generating controversy that will likely continue to be a storyline leading up to the postseason. However, the strong performances by Kohler and Cooper suggest the Spartans should feel optimistic about their chances in the upcoming tournaments.