Michigan Sweeps Rival for Big Ten Top Seed
No. 3 Michigan defeated No. 8 Michigan State 90-80 on Sunday, securing their 15th consecutive Big Ten victory and earning the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Star guard Jalen Howard led the Wolverines with 28 points as they capped off an exceptional regular season.
The victory marked Michigan's first regular-season sweep of Michigan State since the 2013-14 season. Despite the recent wins, Michigan State has largely controlled the rivalry in the 21st century, having won 33 of the 50 games preceding this season. A decisive 11-0 run midway through the second half proved to be the turning point, giving Michigan a lead they would not surrender. The Wolverines sealed the 90-80 victory by scoring their final 12 points from the free-throw line. While Jalen Howard was mentioned as the star, it was UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg who led the Wolverines with 27 points, tying his career high with five three-pointers. Morez Johnson Jr. added 18 points and seven rebounds for Michigan. For the Spartans, senior Jaxon Kohler tied his career-high with 23 points, while Jeremy Fears Jr. contributed 22 points and nine assists. This season has been historic for the Wolverines, whose 29-2 record set a new program mark for wins in a season. Their 19-1 conference record is also a new Big Ten record for the most conference wins in a single season. With the top seed secured, Michigan receives a triple-bye in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament at the United Center in Chicago. The team will play its first tournament game in the quarterfinals on Friday, March 13.
