No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 8 Michigan State: Three Bold Predictions For A Top-10 Regular Season Finale

No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 8 Michigan State: A Top-10 Regular Season Finale

The most anticipated basketball rivalry in the state of Michigan reaches a fever pitch this Sunday, March 8, as the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines host the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans at the Crisler Center. With a tip-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS, this “Maize Out” Senior Day game is far more than just a clash for bragging rights; it is a battle between two of the nation’s elite defensive units with massive postseason implications.

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Michigan enters the contest following a historic 71-68 road win at Iowa, which secured a perfect 11-0 road record for the season—the first time a Big Ten team has achieved such a feat since Indiana in 1976. Meanwhile, Tom Izzo’s Spartans have won five straight games, including a marquee road win at Purdue, and are looking to avenge an 83-71 loss to the Wolverines earlier this season in East Lansing.

As Dusty May and Tom Izzo prepare for their second head-to-head meeting, here are three bold predictions for the rematch in Ann Arbor.

1. Yaxel Lendeborg Records a Rare 20-20 Double-Double

In the first meeting on January 30, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg dominated the paint with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Since then, he has only grown more effective, most recently leading the team in scoring against Iowa. Michigan State’s frontcourt, anchored by Jaxon Kohler (9.2 RPG) and Carson Cooper (7.1 RPG), has struggled to contain Lendeborg’s versatility.

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Expect Lendeborg to capitalize on his Senior Day emotions and a raucous home crowd to become the first player in this rivalry’s modern era to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a single game. His ability to control both backboards will be the deciding factor in preventing MSU from getting second-chance opportunities.

2. Jeremy Fears Jr. Explodes for a Career-High 35+ Points

The narrative following the first matchup was dominated by a “tripping” controversy involving MSU point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and…

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Publish date : 2026-03-07 12:00:00

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