Michigan State University trades paint points with the University of Michigan as free throws tip the scale at Crisler Center

The Michigan State University entered 2025 at 8-0 and left the University of Michigan at 9-0 after a 90-80 result at 4:30 PM EDT in Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan improved to 9-0 behind 48 second-half points, while Michigan State University moved to 8-1 after scoring 41 in the first half and 39 in the second.

First half

Michigan State University opened with 41 first-half points while the University of Michigan answered with 42 at Crisler Center. The Spartans produced 40 points in the paint on 54 percent finishing in paint attempts, and State added 11 fast break points in the game flow that started before the break. Michigan State University posted 16 assists against 7 turnovers for a 2.29 assist-to-turnover ratio, and the Green and White hit 16 free throws on 80 percent at the line. The Wolverines countered with 10 made three-pointers on 46 percent and reached the stripe early toward 26 made free throws at 90 percent.

Second half

Michigan State University scored 39 after halftime, but the University of Michigan separated with 48 in the second half. The Spartans shot 45 percent on field goals and 33 percent from 3-point range, while Michigan finished at 49 percent overall with a 58 percent effective field goal rate. Michigan State University logged 32 total rebounds with 9 offensive boards, and Michigan collected 35 rebounds while turning 10 State turnovers into 14 points off turnovers. The Maize and Blue bench produced 29 points compared with 8 for the Spartans, and Michigan also posted 7 blocks to State’s 3 in the interior.

Key contributors

Jeremy Fears Jr. carried over production from the previous game with 22 points and 9 assists, and Michigan State University again leaned on his 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio from that outing. Jaxon Kohler’s prior-game line of 23 points with 8 rebounds set a recent scoring baseline for the Green and White, and Carson Cooper’s 19 points with 6 rebounds in that last contest highlighted Michigan State University’s emphasis on paint touches that showed up again with 40 in the paint on Sunday.

Game context and takeaways

The Michigan State Spartans vs Michigan Wolverines match summary centered on Michigan’s 29-17 edge in bench points and a 26-16 margin in made free throws. The post game analysis also pointed to Michigan State University’s 5 lead changes and 5 ties as the Spartans stayed within a 11-point Michigan biggest lead. The post-game report Michigan State Spartans included 22 personal fouls for State against 17 for Michigan, and Michigan State Spartans post-game interviews followed a CBS national broadcast from a 12,707 attendance at Crisler Center.

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