If you’re checking your phone at a red light or refreshing your feed to see did msu win today in basketball, the answer depends entirely on which "MSU" you’re sweating over. It’s one of those weird days in the college hoops calendar where the green and white fans are high-fiving, while the maroon and white faithful are staring at the ceiling wondering what just went wrong.
Honestly, it was a tale of two very different cities.
In Seattle, Tom Izzo’s Michigan State squad basically looked like a well-oiled machine. They handled Washington with a kind of clinical efficiency that makes you think they’re peaking at exactly the right time. But down in Starkville? Man, it was a different story. Mississippi State dropped a heartbreaker to their biggest rival, Ole Miss, in a game that literally came down to the final buzzer.
The Spartan Statement: Michigan State’s Dominance in Seattle
Let's talk about the No. 12 Michigan State Spartans first. They didn't just win; they controlled the tempo from the jump. Final score: 80–63.
Jeremy Fears Jr. is becoming a problem for the rest of the Big Ten. He put up 19 points, but it wasn't just the scoring. It was the way he manipulated the defense. He’s got this gear where he can get into the paint and either finish or find the open man—he had five assists to go with those 19 points.
Washington tried to make a run in the second half. They got within 11 points at one point (68–57), but the Spartans responded with a 7–0 run that effectively ended the conversation.
📖 Related: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
Why this Michigan State win matters
- Historical Context: This was actually MSU’s first win against Washington on the road since 1957. That’s a long time coming.
- The Izzo Factor: Tom Izzo is now 4–0 all-time against the Huskies. He just seems to have their number.
- Ball Security: The Spartans only turned the ball over 5 times. Five! In a road environment, that is almost unheard of.
If you’re a Spartan fan, you’re feeling great. They move to 16–2 overall and 6–1 in the Big Ten. They look like a lock for a deep March run if they keep playing this selfless brand of basketball.
Heartbreak in Starkville: Mississippi State’s Rivalry Woes
Now, for the folks asking did msu win today in basketball referring to the Bulldogs—I’m sorry. It was a rough Saturday night at the Hump. Mississippi State lost to Ole Miss, 68–67.
This one is going to sting for a while because the Bulldogs had a double-digit lead. They’ve actually lost three games in a row now, and in every single one of those games, they held a double-digit lead at some point. That’s a tough pill to swallow for Chris Jans and his crew.
The ending was pure chaos. Josh Hubbard, who has been an absolute superstar for State, hit a massive 3-pointer from deep to put the Bulldogs up 67–66 with about 34 seconds left. The crowd was deafening. But Ole Miss’s Patton Pinkins answered with a baseline floater that just sort of hung in the air forever before dropping with 18 seconds on the clock.
Hubbard had a chance to win it at the end with a layup, but it didn't go.
👉 See also: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
Breaking down the Bulldogs' struggles
The shooting was, frankly, pretty ugly. Both teams combined to go 7-of-47 from beyond the arc. That’s about 15 percent. It was a gritty, physical, "old school" SEC game, but the Bulldogs just couldn't close the door.
Josh Hubbard finished with 13 points, but he struggled with his efficiency, going 3-of-16 from the floor. Jamarion Davis-Fleming was a bright spot, though, putting up 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
The "Other" MSU: Minnesota State's Historic Run
We can't ignore the Mavericks. If you were looking for Minnesota State University, they didn't just win—they made history.
The No. 2 ranked Mavericks beat Bemidji State 94–69. This wasn't just another win; it was their 18th in a row. That sets a new program record for consecutive victories in a single season. Natalie Bremer was absolutely unconscious, dropping 27 points.
What’s Next for the Spartans and Bulldogs?
If you're tracking these teams for your bracket or just out of loyalty, here is the immediate road ahead.
✨ Don't miss: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
Michigan State stays on the road. They head to Eugene to take on Oregon this Tuesday. Winning in Matthew Knight Arena is never easy, but with the way Jeremy Fears Jr. is playing, the Spartans should be favored.
Mississippi State has to find a way to stop the bleeding. They travel to College Station to face Texas A&M on Wednesday. The SEC is a gauntlet this year, and starting 2–3 in conference play isn't ideal, but there's still plenty of time to build a tournament resume.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Turnover Margin: If you’re betting on or watching Michigan State, keep an eye on their turnovers. When they stay under 10, they are nearly unbeatable.
- Monitor Josh Hubbard’s Efficiency: For Mississippi State to win big games, Hubbard doesn't just need to score; he needs to find his rhythm early.
- Road Tests: Both teams are playing away from home in their next outings. Road wins are the "gold currency" of the NCAA Selection Committee.
Whether you’re celebrating a dominant road win or mourning a one-point loss at home, the landscape of college basketball just shifted a little bit more today. The Big Ten is looking like a Spartan playground, while the SEC is proving to be a nightly dogfight where nobody is safe.
Check the schedules, set your alerts, and get ready for the mid-week slate. The road to March is officially getting bumpy.