Carlos Osorio/Associated Press
In the battle for Michigan, the Spartans came out on top.
Michigan State (23-5, 14-3) topped Michigan 77-70 Sunday, moving to the top of the Big Ten in the process. Cassius Winston (27 points, eight assists) and Kenny Goins (16 points, 11 rebounds) led the way for the Spartans, while Zavier Simpson chipped in 19 points and five rebounds for the Wolverines.
It was an impressive road outing for Michigan State, which lost Joshua Langford for the season last month. The Spartans also came into this contest without Nick Ward, leaving them without two of their top three scorers.
Nonetheless, the Spartans prevailed, while the Wolverines (24-4, 13-4) were left with some big questions to answer late in the season. Namely, Michigan State’s defense put on the clamps in the final 10 minutes, shutting down driving lanes and forcing Michigan to take contested shots from distance.
Thankfully, college basketball fans won’t have to wait long for the rematch. The two teams will next face off Saturday, March 9, in East Lansing. That promises to be another dynamic matchup and could decide the Big Ten regular-season title.
Cassius Winston Has Enough Sauce to Lead Injury-Ravaged Spartans to Big Ten Title
It can’t be overstated how impressive Michigan State was Sunday. No Langford or Ward, on the road and facing down one of the best defenses in college basketball, and they still pulled out the win against a talented rival.
“I think, under the circumstance, it’s the biggest win yet,” head coach Tom Izzo said after the game, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. “I really do.”
Winston was the difference. While Michigan State was able to take Michigan out of its comfort zone on offense, it was Winston who always seemed to have an answer for the Wolverines defense. Not surprisingly, the praise for both Winston and the Spartans in general was effusive:
Izzo was more succinct.
“Cassius Winston was unbelievable,” he said, per Pouncy.
Michigan State fans agreed:
Michigan State’s finishing moves were stout defense and Winston’s 19 second-half points. It was the sort of performance that bodes well for Michigan State’s prospects down the stretch as the team seeks regular-season and conference titles, along with a long run in March.
More than a few teams have been guided through the tournament by a hot guard, and if the Spartans can get Ward back for the NCAA tournament, they’ll be a scary opponent. They proved that much Sunday.
What’s Next?
Michigan hosts Nebraska on Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, while Michigan State faces Indiana on the road next Saturday at 12 p.m. ET on Fox.
This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
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