By Larry Arreguin | LPL News Wire| January 15, 2026

EAST LANSING, MI (1-15-26) — In one of the season’s most dramatic finishes, the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans outlasted No. 24 Nebraska Cornhuskers 73–71 at the Breslin Center, improving to 17–1 while Nebraska fell to 14–4.

Michigan State had not led since the 4:19 mark of the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a frantic and unforgettable final stretch.

With 1:22 remaining and the Spartans down three, Jaylyn Brown (#23) rose to the moment, drilling a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 69 and electrify the Breslin Center crowd. Nebraska responded immediately, as Britt Prince (#23) knocked down an 18-foot jumper on the ensuing possession to give the Cornhuskers a 71–69 edge.

Moments later, Rashunda Jones (#1) was fouled with 0:39 remaining and calmly sank both free throws to tie the game once again. Michigan State’s defense then delivered, forcing a critical Nebraska turnover. After using two timeouts to organize the final possession, the Spartans put the ball back in Jones’ hands with 27 seconds left.

Jones attacked the rim with six seconds remaining but missed a potential game-winning layup. Juliann Woodard (#33) crashed the glass, secured the offensive rebound, and was fouled with five seconds to play. Woodard stepped to the line and knocked down both free throws to put Michigan State ahead 73–71. On Nebraska’s final possession, the Spartans forced another turnover, sealing the victory.

Michigan State was led by Grace VanSlooten (#14) with a game-high 22 points. Jones finished with 15 points, five assists, and the clutch free throws that kept the Spartans alive late. Kennedy Blair (#35) added 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Brown’s late three proved to be a defining moment.

Nebraska was powered by Amiah Hargrove (#33) off the bench with 21 points and Prince’s 16-point effort, but Michigan State’s late-game composure and defensive resolve ultimately made the difference.