No. 16 Michigan State extended its winning streak to nine games with a decisive 78-68 victory over Northwestern on Sunday in Evanston, Illinois. Powered by a dominant first-half performance and crucial free throws in the final moments, the Spartans remain undefeated in Big Ten play.
Michigan State dominates the first half with relentless energy.
The Spartans (14-2, 5-0 Big Ten) wasted no time asserting their dominance. A blistering 24-3 run, ignited by freshman guard Jase Richardson with a three-point play, overwhelmed Northwestern (10-6, 1-4). Senior guard Jaden Akins and sophomore forward Coen Carr added emphatic dunks that brought the visiting crowd to its feet. By halftime, Michigan State held a commanding 47-28 lead, shooting an impressive 62.1% from the field.
“We came out with focus and discipline,” said head coach Tom Izzo. “Our defense in the first half was outstanding, and it gave us the confidence to control the game.”
Michigan State’s defense played a pivotal role, holding Northwestern to just 31.3% shooting in the first half. Wildcats forward Brooks Barnhizer, who entered the game averaging 19.3 points, struggled mightily, going 2-for-13 from the field and finishing with only 4 points.
A spirited Northwestern rally falls short.
Despite the first-half deficit, Northwestern showed resilience in the second half. Junior forward Nick Martinelli delivered an inspired performance, scoring a game-high 27 points. He kept the Wildcats within striking distance, netting 11 of their first 18 points after halftime. Northwestern managed to cut the lead to single digits in the final minute.
However, Michigan State’s composure proved too much to overcome. Akins sank six clutch free throws in the final 34 seconds to seal the game. Akins finished with 14
No. 16 Michigan State extended its winning streak to nine games with a commanding 78-68 victory over Northwestern on Sunday in Evanston, Illinois. Dominating the first half and holding off a late rally, the Spartans continued their unbeaten run in Big Ten play.
Michigan State takes control with a dominant first half.
The Spartans (14-2, 5-0 Big Ten) showcased their strength early, unleashing a decisive 24-3 run midway through the first half. Freshman guard Jase Richardson sparked the surge with an acrobatic three-point play, while senior guard Jaden Akins and forward Coen Carr added emphatic dunks to energize the team. By halftime, Michigan State held a commanding 47-28 lead, shooting an impressive 62.1% from the field.
“Our defense was the difference-maker today,” said head coach Tom Izzo. “We disrupted their rhythm early, and that gave us the momentum we needed to stay in control.”
Defensively, the Spartans stifled Northwestern’s offense, holding the Wildcats to just 31.3% shooting in the first half. Northwestern forward Brooks Barnhizer, who averages 19.3 points per game, struggled to find his rhythm, shooting 2-of-13 and finishing with only four points.
Northwestern rallies but falls short in the final minutes.
The Wildcats (10-6, 1-4 Big Ten) showed resilience in the second half, led by junior forward Nick Martinelli, who delivered a career-high 27 points. Martinelli scored 11 of Northwestern’s first 18 points after halftime, helping to trim the deficit to single digits in the game’s final minute.
Despite the late surge, Michigan State’s poise under pressure secured the win. Akins converted six clutch free throws in the final 34 seconds and finished with 14 points. Freshman Jeremy Fears Jr. also played a pivotal role, contributing 12 points and a game-high 8 assists, showcasing his ability to orchestrate the offense when it mattered most.
Key takeaways: Depth and defense drive Michigan State’s success.
One of Michigan State’s biggest strengths this season has been its depth. The Spartans’ bench contributed 24 points in the first half alone, nearly matching Northwestern’s entire scoring output during that period. This allowed Michigan State to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the game, even when rotating players.
Defensively, the Spartans’ man-to-man pressure and physicality disrupted Northwestern’s offensive rhythm. The Wildcats made just three of their final 21 field-goal attempts in the first half and committed crucial turnovers during Michigan State’s game-altering run. “When we play aggressive defense, we’re hard to stop,” Izzo said.
What’s next for Michigan State?
With this win, Michigan State remains undefeated in Big Ten play and extends their overall record to 14-2. The Spartans will return to East Lansing to face Penn State on Wednesday, aiming to continue their winning streak and further solidify their position in the conference standings.
For Northwestern, this marks their third consecutive loss, and they drop to 1-4 in Big Ten play. The Wildcats will look to bounce back when they host Maryland on Thursday, hoping to regain momentum and find solutions to their recent struggles.
As the Spartans continue their remarkable run, their mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent positions them as a serious contender in the Big Ten and beyond. With their focus on both ends of the court, Michigan State remains a force to be reckoned with this season.
