You know that feeling when the air in the state of Michigan just gets... heavier? It’s usually late January or early March. That’s because when the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans step onto the court, nothing else really matters. Fans are constantly refreshing their feeds asking: who won the michigan michigan state basketball game?
Honestly, if you're looking for a result from this week (mid-January 2026), you might be a little early or just slightly confused. As of January 18, 2026, these two titans haven't actually faced off against each other yet this season.
They’re scheduled to clash soon—January 31, 2026—at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
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Right now, both teams are tearing through their Big Ten schedules. Just yesterday, January 17, Michigan State handled business out west, beating Washington 80-63 behind 19 points from Jeremy Fears Jr. Meanwhile, Michigan took down Oregon 81-71. They are on a collision course.
The Most Recent Showdowns
If you're thinking about the last time they actually traded blows, we have to look back at the 2024-25 season. It was a rough stretch for the Maize and Blue.
The Spartans swept the season series last year.
On February 21, 2025, Michigan State marched into Ann Arbor and left with a 75-62 victory. Then, they did it again on March 9, 2025, winning 79-62 in East Lansing. That win streak is sitting at four games for Tom Izzo’s squad right now.
Why the 2026 Matchup Feels Different
Dusty May has changed the vibe in Ann Arbor. Kinda feels like the "new car smell" hasn't worn off yet, and the Wolverines are playing a much faster, more aggressive style of ball than we saw during the end of the Juwan Howard era.
On the other side, Izzo is... well, he's Izzo. He’s got Jeremy Fears Jr. looking like the next great Spartan floor general.
- Current Streak: Michigan State has won the last 4 meetings.
- Next Game: January 31, 2026.
- Location: East Lansing, MI.
- Broadcast: Likely BTN or FOX.
Who Won the Michigan Michigan State Basketball Game All-Time?
People argue about this in bars from Grand Rapids to Detroit. If you look at the raw numbers, Michigan technically leads the all-time series 104-91 (though some of those Wolverine wins were vacated due to NCAA issues years ago).
But here is the kicker: since Michigan State joined the Big Ten in 1950, the Spartans have actually been the more dominant force.
It’s a rivalry of streaks. You’ve got the 12-game win streak by Michigan back in the 1920s. Then you’ve got the late 90s and early 2000s where MSU basically owned the state.
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What to Watch for on January 31
When these two finally meet in a couple of weeks, keep an eye on the backcourt. Fears Jr. is the engine for MSU. If Michigan can't slow him down, it’s going to be a long night at the Izzone. Michigan needs their shooters to hit early because that crowd in East Lansing is basically a sixth man.
Basically, the "who won" question is currently "who will win," and the stakes couldn't be higher for Big Ten tournament seeding.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning on catching the next game or keeping up with the rivalry, here is what you should do:
- Check the TV Listing: Confirm the tip-off time for the January 31st game on the Big Ten Network or FOX Sports app, as times can flex for television.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Keep an eye on Jeremy Fears Jr. and Vlad Goldin’s status leading up to the game, as health has been the deciding factor in three of the last five meetings.
- Verify Tickets: If you’re trying to go, secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek are your only bet, but expect to pay a "rivalry tax"—tickets for this game usually double in price 48 hours before tip-off.