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SPORTS

MSU athletics stay active across the board

The State News Sports Desk
MSU sports is staying busy throughout the winter season. Men's basketball pulled off a comeback-overtime victory and hockey is set for a tough-Big Ten battle, including an outdoor competition. Meanwhile, women's basketball has stayed solid and prepares for a rivalry game. Gymnastics hosted its home opener while wrestling, tennis and golf are all heating up.

Latest stories

ICE HOCKEY

Defense and execution power No. 4 MSU to a sweep of No. 2 Wisconsin

Audrey Dayton
January 17, 2026

Prior to No. 4 Michigan State hockey’s matchup against No. 2 Wisconsin, MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said the road series would be a test — a test the Spartans passed. On Thursday night, MSU scored three goals in the second period to earn a 4-3 win. The Spartans didn’t let up the following night; rather, they improved with disciplined defense, strong execution and a stellar goaltender performance, en route to a 4-1 victory and a road sweep. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 4 MSU hockey set for rebound at Wisconsin

Audrey Dayton
January 14, 2026

After getting swept last November, No. 4 MSU hockey is set for a road contest against No. 2 Wisconsin. The series is set for Thursday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. EST and Friday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. EST. Thursday’s contest will be streamed on Big Ten Network. Both sides' offensive leaders remain the same, although both teams have grown throughout the last months. MSU looks to be the best version of itself, as in any competition.

ICE HOCKEY

Porter Martone earns Big Ten Second Star of the Week

Audrey Dayton
January 13, 2026

No. 4 MSU hockey's Porter Martone was recognized by the Big Ten, earning Second Star of the Week for his weekend performance. Martone posted the best scoring in the conference with five points (3-2--5). He leads the team in goals with 14, ranking second in scoring (14-11--25). This is Martone’s second Big Ten honor of the season, as he was named Third Star on Nov. 18, 2025, following MSU’s sweep of Notre Dame. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey splits series with Ohio State

Audrey Dayton
January 11, 2026

No. 2 MSU hockey resumed conference play on the road against Ohio State. On Friday night, the Spartans earned a 6-2 victory following a quick 4-0 lead in the first period. However, MSU lacked the same grit and execution the following night, falling 2-1 in a performance beneath the team’s standard. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey set for Ohio State road series

Audrey Dayton
January 8, 2026

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will resume conference play against Ohio State, on the road. The series is set for Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. EST and Jan. 10, 5 p.m. EST on Big Ten Plus. MSU enters the series 14-4-0 overall with a 5-3-0 record in the Big Ten. The Spartans are 9-0 on the road (away and neutral sites), coming off a three-game win streak. Forwards Ryker Lee, Porter Martone, Eric Nilson and Shane Vansaghi are expected to return to the lineup after competing in World Juniors, an international ice hockey competition.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey stays busy ahead of exhibition before Big Ten play resumes

Audrey Dayton
January 3, 2026

From international competition to tournament titles, there’s been plenty to keep a Spartan hockey fan busy. No. 3 Michigan State hockey earned its second-straight Great Lakes Invitational title, and will return to Munn Ice Arena for an exhibition game, hosting the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 4 p.m. EST. Additionally, four MSU forwards have been competing in the IIHF World Junior Championships, representing their respective countries. 

ICE HOCKEY

Four MSU hockey players competing in World Juniors

Audrey Dayton
December 27, 2025

Four members of the No. 3 Michigan State hockey team are competing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota, joined by future Spartan defenseman Chase Reid. Freshmen Ryker Lee, Porter Martone and Eric Nilson, along with sophomore Shane Vansaghi, earned spots on final World Juniors rosters, while Reid was named to Team USA. The tournament runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5 in St. Paul and Minneapolis, with all games broadcast on NHL Network.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 3 MSU hockey set for series against rival No. 1 Michigan

Audrey Dayton
December 4, 2025

For the 13 newcomers on the Spartan hockey roster, this weekend will serve as an introduction to rivalry hockey. No. 3 Michigan State hockey will take on No. 1 Michigan, splitting home ice. The Spartans will host Game 1 of the series on Friday, Dec. 5 in Munn Ice Arena. Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m. EST on Big Ten Network. MSU enters the series 11-3-0 overall and 4-2-0 in Big Ten play. Similarly, Michigan holds a 15-3-0 record, 6-2-0 in conference action. Michigan's scoring offense ranks No. 1 in the country and MSU will need to limit scoring opportunities, playing smart, hard and fast.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey comes up short, loses 2-1 in overtime

Audrey Dayton
November 23, 2025

After dropping Game 1 with a 5-4 loss, No. 1 Michigan State hockey looked to split its series against No. 7 Wisconsin. MSU played tighter defense and sharper offense than the previous night, but gave up a power-play goal in the second period. Despite knotting the game in the final period, the Spartans lost 2-1 in overtime.