Marquette, MI – January 30th, 2026 – Michigan State and Michigan are set to clash on the hardwood this weekend, with both programs entering as one of only three schools in the nation to have both their men’s and women’s teams ranked inside the Top 15, joining UConn in that elite group.
Men’s preview:
The weekend tips off tonight as the Spartans host the Wolverines in a top-10 showdown, marking the first time the rivals have met with both teams ranked in the top 10 since 2019. According to KenPom, Michigan State owns the nation’s No. 1 defensive efficiency, with Michigan close behind at No. 2. Combined, the teams bring an impressive 38–3 record into the matchup.
Recent history favors the Spartans, who have won four straight meetings and seven of the last ten overall. Michigan State is led by Jeremy Fears Jr., the KenPom favorite to win Big Ten Player of the Year. The sophomore guard is averaging 14.1 points, 8.9 assists per game (second nationally), and 2.6 rebounds. Michigan counters with Yaxel Lendeborg, currently third in the Big Ten POTY race, who posts 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
Today marks the third meeting between Michigan head coach Dusty May and the Spartans, as he continues his search for his first rivalry win. The task is steep: Michigan has not won at the Breslin Center since January 13, 2018. Adding another layer to the storyline, today is Tom Izzo’s 71st birthday. The Hall of Fame coach owns a 5–2 record when coaching on his birthday. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. on Fox Sports.
Women’s Preview:
The rivalry continues Sunday on the women’s side, where the two teams combine for a 37–5 overall record and a perfect 21–0 record at home this season. Michigan State holds the home-court edge as they host the Wolverines in East Lansing. The women’s rivalry dates back to 1970, with annual meetings beginning in 1973, and Sunday adds another meaningful chapter.
Michigan is led by sophomore guard Olivia Olson, who averages 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field. The Spartans are powered by Kennedy Blair, who contributes 13.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per contest.
Michigan holds a slight edge in recent meetings, having won five of the last nine, but Robyn Fralick has Michigan State off to the best start in program history and will look to keep the momentum rolling on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 12:00 p.m. and will stream on Fox Sports.
