Michigan State's nine-game winning streak raises eyebrows after defeating Northwestern
- Michigan State outperformed Northwestern with a decisive victory, extending their winning streak.
- The Spartans dominated the first half, closing with a 33-12 run, leading to a 19-point halftime advantage.
- Northwestern faced their third consecutive loss and will aim to recover in their next matchup.
In the United States, on January 12, 2025, Northwestern University faced off against No. 16 Michigan State in a college basketball game in Evanston, Illinois. The game marked the third consecutive loss for Northwestern, who were unable to capitalize on their home court advantage, despite previously having a strong record against ranked opponents. Michigan State, on the other hand, extended their winning streak to nine games, showcasing their dominance with an impressive first-half performance. The Spartans took control of the game by closing the first half with a significant 33-12 run, leading by 19 points at halftime with a score of 47-28. Michigan State's success was attributed to their balanced offensive play, where all ten players on the roster contributed at least one field goal. Jaden Akins led the Spartans with 14 points, followed by Jase Richardson, who scored 13 points, and Jeremy Fears Jr. with 12 points and eight assists. Their ability to maintain pressure and execute plays effectively kept the Wildcats from mounting a consistent challenge throughout the game. Northwestern struggled particularly in the first half, shooting only 3 for 18 from the floor, which compounded their challenges as they faced four turnovers during that period. The Wildcats also saw Brooks Barnhizer, who had been averaging 19.3 points a game, having an off day, finishing with just four points on 2-for-13 shooting. Despite Nick Martinelli’s impactful performance scoring 27 points, the team could not overcome the deficit, noting the sharp decline in their performance compared to their previous home game victories against top-ranked teams. Moving forward, Michigan State is set to host Penn State, while Northwestern will look to rebound and host Maryland. The outcomes of these upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons, striving for improved standings in the Big Ten Conference and securing their places in college basketball rankings.