Michigan State basketball entered Sunday looking to move one step closer to cutting down the nets as the Big Ten regular season champions.

And that’s exactly what Tom Izzo’s squad did.

Thanks to another lock-down second-half defensive performance, paired with their transition offense, No. 8 Michigan State (24-5, 15-3 in Big Ten) took down No. 12 Wisconsin (22-7, 12-6) in an old-fashioned Big Ten heavyweight battle.

With the 71-62 win over the Badgers, the Spartans claimed a double-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament and took a 0.5 game lead over Michigan for first place in the conference standings. At the time of this writing, the Wolverines had just tipped off against Illinois in Ann Arbor.

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Sunday’s win at the Breslin Center also marked Michigan State’s 10th win over a Quad 1 opponent this season and improved the Spartans’ record against Quad 1 teams to 10-4 — a statistic that could put Izzo’s squad in conversation for that final 1 seed come Selection Sunday.

The difference maker in Sunday’s bout between the Spartans and Badgers, the latter of whom was eliminated from contention for the Big Ten regular season title, was once again how Michigan State wore down its opponent by turning it up defensively in the second half. Michigan State held Wisconsin to just one field goal in the final four minutes.

Jaden Akins was also a difference maker for Michigan State on Sunday, as the Spartans’ leading scorer found his shot from downtown early in the first half. Akins finished with a team-high 19 points on 6 of 18 shooting from the field (4-for-9 3-point shooting) and eight rebounds. Per CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, the Spartans are 8-0 this season when Akins has scored at least 16 points — a good sign heading further into March for Michigan State.

Though he battled foul trouble throughout the afternoon, Jase Richardson still carved up the Badgers defense with six assists. Of Richardson’s six helpers on the day, two of them came down the stretch on perfect dime passes to Jaxon Koehler and Coen Carr.

Michigan State has now won five consecutive games, and six of its last seven.

Continue below for game highlights from Sunday’s Michigan State vs. Wisconsin men’s basketball game:

REQUIRED READING:When does March Madness start? Selection Sunday bracket reveal date for NCAA Tournament

Michigan State basketball vs Wisconsin score updates

This section will be updated at tip-off

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Michigan State basketball vs Wisconsin live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Second half: Michigan State 71, Wisconsin 62

Michigan State defeats Wisconsin

The Spartans open up March with a statement win at home against No. 12 Wisconsin.

As the last handful of games have shown, Michigan State uses its second half experience and tenacious defense to wear down Wisconsin in the final 20 minutes. Badgers were outscored 6-2 in the final minutes of the game, and had gone through a 3:20 scoreless drought in that span.

Tom Izzo’s squad, already in the top 10 of the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 poll, will likely knock on the top 5 in both polls on Monday. It’s the fifth straight Quad 1 win for Michigan State, who is now 10-4 against Quad 1 opponents this season.

Michigan State leads at final media timeout

A Michigan State team that is looking to stay tied atop the Big Ten standings with Michigan is 3:32 away from doing just that.

The Spartans lead Wisconsin 62-60 at the under-four media timeout at the Breslin Center. March is here folks, this one is coming in for an all-time landing!

Coen Carr posterizes Wisconsin

Oh My Coen Carr! The Spartans’ big man takes it all the way through the paint for a poster dunk over the entire Badgers defense.

Carr’s dunk ends a well over three minute scoreless drought for Michigan State, who now leads 60-57.

Jase Richardson picks up third foul

Jeffrey Anderson calls Jase Richardson for his third foul of the game.

It came on defense as Anderson called Richardson for the reach, and a play that could have been called either way. Michigan State leads Wisconsin 58-52 at the under-eight media timeout with 7:39 remaining in the second half.

A big call in this one as the Spartans star freshman has been on a tear in the second half after sitting out much of the first half due to foul trouble.

Wisconsin calls timeout

How do you do, Carson Cooper?!? Jase Richardson finds his 6-foot-11 center inside the paint for a thunderous dunk to push Michigan State’s lead over Wisconsin 58-50. A 6-0 run over the last 3:15 for Michigan State forces Wisconsin coach Greg Gard to call a timeout.

The Spartans’ cranked up pressure on defense in the second half has the Badgers struggling offensively: 7 for 22 from the field (2-11 3-point shooting).

All momentum right now on the Spartans. Breslin Center is humming as Michigan State is 8:33 from a top 15 win at home.

Michigan State pushes lead

Jaden Akins drops the hammer on Wisconsin with a fast break dunk in transition. It’s the first turnover of the half for the Badgers and it’s a costly one, as the Spartans now lead 56-50 — their largest lead of the afternoon.

Akins is now at 17 points on the afternoon on 6 of 17 shooting from the field. Wisconsin is on a 2:37 scoreless drought.

Michigan State heating up

The Spartans have found their groove on offense as they have hit four straight shots from the field to take a 54-50 lead over the Badgers into the under-12 media timeout.

Before turning it over on the other side of the floor, Jase Richardson hit a smooth jumper to put him at 11 points on the afternoon. He has eight points in the second half, and is 3 for 3 from the field in the half alone.

Frankie Fidler hits big shot for Michigan State

Frankie Fidler puts Michigan State back on top with a 3-pointer in transition, and then immediately follows it up with a layup for a quick personal 5-0 run.

The Spartans are 9 for 23 from the deep on the afternoon.

Michigan State holding onto lead

Nolan Winter gets a finger on a pass from Jase Richardson intended for inside the paint to either Carson Cooper or Coen Carr and the deflection goes out of bounds. Spartans holding onto a 42-41 lead at the under-16 media timeout of the second half.

Spartans appeared to have had a window to break this one open a bit but the Badgers have responded with key baskets in their last few drives down the floor. A good one brewing at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Michigan State re-takes lead

Welcome back Jase Richardson! The Spartans freshman guard hits a 3-pointer in transition to give Michigan State its largest lead of the game. It’s a 7-0 run for Michigan State in the last 2:30.

Jase Richardson starts second half

Tom Izzo brings Jase Richardson, who has two fouls, off the bench to start the second half for Michigan State. Richardson did not play much of the first half after picking up his second foul early in the frame.

Something to certainly monitor in the second half for Michigan State as Richardson has led the team in scoring in each of its last three games.

First half: Wisconsin 34, Michigan State 32

Michigan State vs Wisconsin halftime stats

Here’s a look at where things stand statistically at halftime between No. 8 Michigan State and No. 12 Wisconsin:

• Field goal percentage: Wisconsin 38%, Michigan State 32%
• 3-point percentage: Michigan State 32%, Wisconsin 13%
• Free throws: Wisconsin 8-10, Michigan State 2-4
• Turnovers: Michigan State 4, Wisconsin 4
• Bench points: Michigan State 11, Wisconsin 5
• Points in the paint: Wisconsin 18, Michigan State 6
• Assists: Michigan State 9, Wisconsin 3

And here are some individual stats for the Spartans and Badgers:

Michigan State

• Jaden Akins: 14 points, five rebounds, an assist, 5-13 shooting, 4-8 3-pointers
• Jase Richardson: Three points, two fouls
• Frankie Idler: Five rebounds, two points

Wisconsin

• John Tonje: Nine points, four rebounds, 3-8 shooting
• John Blackwell: Eight points, five rebounds, 4-9 shooting
• Steven Crowl: Seven points, three rebounds, an assist, 3-5 shooting

Michigan State trails Wisconsin at halftime

A mid-range jumper out of a timeout from John Blackwell gives Wisconsin a 34-32 lead over Michigan State going into halftime. Jaden Akins appeared to have gotten a clean look on a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but he couldn’t get it to fall in.

Neither team looked real comfortable offensively in the first half, as both went on multiple extended scoreless droughts and stretches where they couldn’t get the ball through the net. Michigan State ended the first half missing each of its last four shots from the field, while Wisconsin went 2 for its last 11 from the field.

Sparty back on top

Here come the Spartans!

Jaden Akins hits his fourth 3-pointer of the first half to give Michigan State a 32-30 lead. It’s a 7-0 run over the last three minutes for Michigan State. Akins now has a game-high 14 points on the afternoon.

Wisconsin is in a lengthy scoring drought of its own right now, as the Badgers haven’t scored in the last 3:17 and are 1 for their last 11 shots from the field.

Michigan State knocking on door

The Spartans get a much needed basket from Carson Cooper on a perfectly placed pass from Jeremy Fears Jr. to end a non-field goal drought. Michigan State then gets a stop on defense as Nolan Winter gets called for the travel.

Michigan State knocking on the door as it is only down 30-27 to Wisconsin with 3:59 remaining in the first half. A big final 3:59 for Tom Izzo’s squad as they are 1 for their last 10 shots from the field and are in foul trouble.

Wisconsin in the bonus

It will be free throws here on out for Wisconsin as Michigan State gets called for its eighth foul of the half.

Michigan State will need to figure something out to keep Wisconsin off the line to get its own offense going. The Spartans have not scored in over the last three minutes and are 2 for their last 11 from the field. Badgers lead 28-24 with six minutes to go in the half.

Michigan State holding onto one-point lead

Michigan State is clinging onto a one-point lead thanks to a jumper from Frankie Fidler.

This one has been playing out exactly how it was expected to be played coming into it. Both teams shooting well over 40% from the field in the first 12 minutes and have exchanged leads six times already.

Michigan State takes lead

Jaden Akins!!!

Wisconsin leaves Akins wide open at the top of the key for his third straight 3-pointer to tie the game at 17-17. Then on the Spartans next trip down, Akins hits the jumper to give Michigan State its first lead of the afternoon going into the under-12 media timeout.

A real nice last few minutes here by Michigan State, which has now hit five of its last six shots from the field. Akins is 4 for 8 from the field for 11 points, three rebounds and an assist to start the game.

Coen Carr dunk

Hello Coen Carr!

The Spartans’ big man comes up with a fast break alley-hoop dunk. It is later followed by back-to-back 3-pointers from Jaden Aktins. Spartans are picking it up on offense now!

Jase Richardson picks up second foul

A developing story in this one is Jase Richardson’s foul trouble and how long Tom Izzo will keep his star freshman on the floor.

Richardson gets called for his second foul on a block charge. Officials changed the call from a shooting foul and a AND-one to on the floor.

Michigan State trails Wisconsin at first media timeout

Coen Carrr gets called for the offensive foul by official James Breeding sending this one into the first media timeout of the afternoon.

Michigan State working through some early rust and offensive woes as Wisconsin leads 10-4 after Steven Crowl hits a 3-pointer just before Carr’s foul. The Spartans are 1 for 6 from the field in the first four and a half minutes, compared to the Badgers’ 4 for 7 start.

Wisconsin starts on extended run

Not the start that Michigan State intended for as Wisconsin begins the game on a 7-3 run with a pair of 3-pointers from John Tonje and a jumper from Steven Crowl.

Spartans are 1 for 3 from the field to start the game with a turnover, with Jase Richardson being responsible for Michigan State’s first successful shot of the afternoon.

Pregame

Michigan State-Wisconsin starters announced

Here’s a look at the starters for Sunday’s game between Michigan State and Wisconsin:

Michigan State:

• G Jeremey Fears Jr.
• G Jaden Akins
• G Jase Richardson
• F Jaxon Kohler
• C Szymon Zapala

Wisconsin:

• G Kamari McGee
• G John Tonje
• G John Blackwell
• F Steven Crowl
• F Nolan Winter

Michigan State unveils uniforms vs Wisconsin

The Spartans announced on X (formerly Twitter) that they are rocking with a throwback uniform from their 2000 National Championship team on Sunday vs. Wisconsin per CBS. An all-around clean retro uniform for Michigan State in a pivotal Big Ten game.

Wisconsin’s Max Klesmit out vs Michigan State

Per CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Wisconsin will be without guard Max Klesmit for Sunday’s game vs. Michigan State with a lower body injury.

As noted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Mark Stewart, it is the second game Klesmit will miss this season. He only played in the first five minutes of the Badgers’ last game out vs. Washington, with what Wisconsin coach Greg Gard referred to as a lower leg injury.

What channel is Michigan State basketball vs Wisconsin on today?

• TV channel: CBS
• Streaming option: Paramount+ | Fubo (free trial)

CBS will televise Sunday’s Big Ten basketball game between Michigan State vs. Wisconsin in East Lansing. Streaming options for the game include Paramount+ and Fubo, the latter of which carries CBS and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Watch Michigan State basketball vs. Wisconsin live with Fubo (free trial)

Michigan State vs Wisconsin time today

• Date: Sunday, March 2
• Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Breslin Center (East Lansing, Mich.)

Michigan State and Wisconsin are scheduled to tip off at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 2 from the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

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Michigan State basketball vs Wisconsin history

• Series record: Michigan State leads 86-69
• Michigan State’s last win: 2023 (69-65)
• Wisconsin’s last win: 2024 (81-66)

As noted by Michigan State’s game notes, the Spartans lead the all-time series 86-69 against the Badgers and are 50-17 at home — though Izzo’s team has lost the three straight home games to Wisconsin. Izzo is 35-25 in his 30 seasons with the Spartans.

Michigan State vs Wisconsin predictions, picks

Graham Couch, Lansing State Journal: Michigan State 77, Wisconsin 74

“I thought MSU would more lose at Maryland and beat Wisconsin. It took about five minutes of the game Wednesday night for me to realize I had that evaluation wrong — whatever the result, MSU matched up fine with the Terrapins. So I could be wrong here, too. I do think being at the Breslin Center will help and that, at some point, MSU will have a game where outside shots fall. For all the Badgers’ strengths, they’re just OK at defending the 3-point line. It’s up to MSU to make more than a couple outside shots. This is a game the Spartans probably won’t win otherwise.”

Mark Stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin 78, Michigan State 72.

“Can great offense beat great defense? That will be the marquee matchup in this late-season showdown. The Badgers rank seventh in the nation in offensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com. The Spartans are No. 6 defensively and have held five straight opponents to less than 70 points, a run that includes wins over Purdue, Michigan and Maryland. They’re also at home where they’re 13-1 season. It all adds up to a Spartans win, except that this season has been filled with surprises. Why not Wisconsin?”

Michigan State vs Wisconsin betting odds

Game lines and odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, March 2

• Spread: Michigan State -4.5
• Over/under: 146.5
• Moneyline: Michigan State (-200) | Wisconsin (+165)

Michigan State basketball schedule 2024-25

Here’s a look at Michigan State’s last five results. To view the Spartans’ full 2024-25 schedule, click here.

• Tuesday, Feb. 11: Indiana 71, Michigan State 67
• Saturday, Feb. 15: Michigan State 79, Illinois 65
• Tuesday, Feb. 18: Michigan State 75, No. 13 Purdue 66
• Friday, Feb. 21: Michigan State 75, No. 12 Michigan 62
• Wednesday, Feb. 26: Michigan State 58, No. 16 Maryland 55

Wisconsin basketball schedule 2024-25

Here’s a look at Wisconsin’s last five results. To view the Badgers’ full 2024-25 schedule, click here.

• Saturday, Feb. 8: Wisconsin 74, Iowa 63
• Saturday, Feb. 15: Wisconsin 94, No. 7 Purdue 84
• Tuesday, Feb. 18: Wisconsin 95, Illinois 74
• Saturday, Feb. 22: Oregon 77, Wisconsin 73 (OT)
• Tuesday, Feb. 25: Wisconsin 88, Washington 62

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