By Larry Arreguin| LPL News Wire| February 15, 2026
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — In a heated in-state rivalry played before 11,627 fans, No. 7 Michigan used a decisive second-quarter run to pull away from No. 13 Michigan State in a statement Big Ten victory.
The Spartans battled early and even controlled stretches of the first half, but the momentum shifted at the 5:53 mark of the second quarter. From that point forward, the Wolverines elevated their defensive intensity, shared the basketball efficiently, and capitalized on Spartan turnovers to build separation.
Michigan shot 52 percent from the field (33-of-64) compared to Michigan State’s 43 percent (22-of-51). The Wolverines dominated inside, outscoring the Spartans 50-30 in the paint, while also converting 88 percent from the free throw line (14-of-16).
Michigan State was led by Kennedy Blair (#35), who recorded a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double. Jalyn Brown (#23) added 11 points and Grace VanSlooten (#14) contributed 10. However, 24 turnovers proved costly, leading to 22 Wolverine points.
Michigan countered with balanced scoring as Syla Swords (#12) poured in 24 points and Olivia Olson (#1) added 23 points and eight rebounds. The Wolverines tallied 20 assists on 33 made field goals, showcasing crisp ball movement and offensive rhythm.
Defensively, Michigan added five blocks and forced 24 Spartan turnovers, while holding a 10-4 edge in fast-break points. The Wolverines’ largest lead ballooned to 24 points and they controlled 65 percent of the contest.
With the win, Michigan improves to 22-4 overall and 13-2 in the Big Ten. Michigan State falls to 20-6 overall and 9-6 in conference play.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State squared off before 11,627 fans in a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup, with the Wolverines pulling away after a pivotal second-quarter run. Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel joined Naz Hillmon (#00) and head coach Kim Barnes Arico as they stood before Hillmon’s No. 00 jersey banner, set to be raised to the rafters at Crisler Arena.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State squared off before 11,627 fans in a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup, with the Wolverines pulling away after a pivotal second-quarter run. Naz Hillmon thanks the crowd before before her No. 00 jersey banner, is set to be raised to the rafters at Crisler Arena.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Mila Holloway (#3) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kendall Dudley (#22) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Syla Swords (#12) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Mila Holloway (#3) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kendall Dudley (#22) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Grace VanSlooten (#14) drives to the basket for the Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. MSU Coach Robyn Fralick, looks on as the Wolverines take the lead.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Sara Sambolic (#9) shoots the jumper for Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kennedy Blair (#35) shoots the jumper for Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Mila Holloway (#3) brings the ball up court for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Mila Holloway (#3) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Mila Holloway (#3) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Syla Swords (#12) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kendall Dudley (#22) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Syla Swords (#12) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Syla Swords (#12) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Syla Swords (#12) grabs the loose ball for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Brooke Quarles Daniels (#5) dribbles the ball upcourt for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Mila Holloway (#3) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kendall Dudley (#22) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Mila Holloway (#3) shoots the jumper for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Mila Holloway (#3) shoots the jumper for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Olivia Olson (#1) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kendall Dudley (#22) drives to the basket for the Wolverines.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Grace VanSlooten (#14) drives to the basket for the Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Grace VanSlooten (#14) drives to the basket for the Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Grace VanSlooten (#14) drives to the basket for the Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Rashunda Jones (#1) shoots the jumper for Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kennedy Blair (#35) shoots the jumper for Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kennedy Blair (#35) shoots the jumper for Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kennedy Blair (#35) shoots the jumper for Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Kennedy Blair (#35) shoots the jumper for Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Sara Sambolic (#9) shoots the jumper for Spartans.
ANN ARBOR, MI (2-15-26) — Michigan and Michigan State battle in front of more than 11,627 fans during a top-15 in-state rivalry matchup as the Wolverines pulled away following a pivotal second-quarter run. Rashunda Jones (#1) grabs the offensive rebound for the Spartans.
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