#michigan_state

Bryce Harper is keeping close tabs on Flyers’ playoff push: ‘Just awesome to see’ SAN FRANCISCO — Bryce Harper, a Golden Knights fan, tuned in to watch the Flyers’ overtime victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday, even as the Phillies traveled from Colorado to California. The game, which secured the Flyers’ first playoff berth since January 12, was a moment Harper couldn’t miss. He followed the action closely, flipping to the broadcast just in time to see rookie Porter Martone score his first NHL goal on the power play, sending the Flyers into playoff position. Harper praised the game’s intensity, calling it “just awesome to see.” He highlighted the dramatic nature of the overtime scenario, where the Flyers faced a five-on-three advantage, emphasizing the pressure and excitement that comes with such moments. “You’re five-on-three, you better score,” he said, reflecting on the game’s unpredictability. Martone, a 19-year-old winger who joined the Flyers after his college team, Michigan State, was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, made his NHL debut on March 31. His goal came just days after Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter made his MLB debut, marking a rare alignment of new talent in both leagues. Harper took to TikTok to celebrate Martone’s achievement, acknowledging the rookie’s impact on the Flyers’ season. Harper, a Las Vegas native, has been a Golden Knights fan since the team’s founding in 2017. He described the Stanley Cup playoffs as a transformative experience for a city, and he hopes the Flyers can replicate that energy in Philadelphia. “It’s exciting to see what that looks like in Philly,” he said. “The Flyers have had huge success early in the franchise, but it’s been a little tough in recent years. I’m excited to see what playoff hockey is all about.#michigan_state #philadelphia #bryce_harper #flyers #porter_martone

UConn vs Michigan State Basketball Game: How to Watch and Key Details The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will feature a high-stakes Sweet 16 matchup between No. 2 seed UConn and No. 3 seed Michigan State on Friday, March 27. The game, set for 9:45 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., is a pivotal contest in a tournament that has already showcased an elite field of teams. The Huskies and Spartans will face off in a game that highlights the competitive depth of the 2026 tournament, with both programs boasting storied histories in March Madness. UConn, led by head coach Dan Hurley, enters the game seeking to extend its dominance in the tournament. Hurley, who guided the Huskies to national championships in 2023 and 2024, is aiming for his third title in four seasons. His team’s path to the Sweet 16 has been marked by resilience, including a second-round exit to eventual champion Florida in 2025. Michigan State, meanwhile, is represented by Tom Izzo, a three-time national champion who last won a title for the Spartans in 2000. Izzo’s team has been a consistent powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference, and this matchup offers a rare opportunity for the two programs to clash in the tournament’s second round. The game’s significance is amplified by the fact that it is one of only three matchups in the Sweet 16 featuring coaches with prior NCAA Tournament championships. The other such matchup involves Rick Pitino at St. John’s, making this a rare gathering of coaching legends. Fans and analysts are eager to see how these two programs will fare against each other, with the outcome potentially shaping the tournament’s narrative. For viewers, the game will be broadcast live on NCAA March Madness Live and accessible via Fubo, which offers a free trial. The event is scheduled to start at 9:45 p.m.#dan_hurley #uconn #tom_izzo #michigan_state #capital_one_arena

Bill Murray is expected to attend the Michigan State-UConn Sweet 16 basketball game on Friday, March 27, following his recent appearances at NCAA tournament games. The actor, known for his roles in "Groundhog Day," "Ghostbusters," and "Caddyshack," was spotted at the Connecticut-UCLA second-round matchup on March 22 and the UConn-Furman first-round game on March 20. This marks his third consecutive season attending UConn games, including the team’s back-to-back national championship runs in 2023 and 2024. Murray’s presence at the Sweet 16 is anticipated, as he will likely be in Washington to watch the Huskies face the Spartans. Murray’s connection to UConn extends beyond his public appearances. His son, Luke Murray, is an assistant coach for the team, a role he has held since 2021. Luke, who previously worked under Chris Mack at Xavier and Louisville, is in his fifth season with UConn. This season will be his last with the program, as he has been hired as the head coach for Boston College. Luke’s coaching career includes stints at Post University, Wagner, Towson, and Rhode Island before joining UConn. His father’s support for the team is evident, as Murray has attended multiple postseason games, including the 2024 national championship, where Luke helped secure the victory. Murray’s fandom of UConn is rooted in his personal history. The actor, who graduated from Fairfield University in Connecticut, has long been a fan of the Huskies. His son’s role with the team has deepened this connection, making Murray a regular attendee at games. The actor’s presence at the Sweet 16 is not only a personal gesture but also a way to support his son’s coaching career. Fans of UConn may expect to see Murray at the game, given his history of attending key matchups.#uconn #michigan_state #bill_murray #luke_murray #sweet_16

University of Michigan Athletics Hughes Captures B1G Hockey Player of the Year Honors ROSEMONT, Ill. -- University of Michigan ice hockey standout T.J. Hughes was named Big Ten Player of the Year, marking a significant achievement for the Wolverines as the conference announced its all-conference honorees live on the Big Ten Network. Hughes, a senior captain, was recognized with first-team All-Big Ten honors, while teammates Michael Hage, Tyler Duke, and Jack Ivankovic joined him on the second team. Ivankovic also earned All-Freshman Team accolades, and Josh Eernisse received the conference’s Sportsmanship Award. Hughes leads Michigan in scoring with 50 points in 36 games, averaging 1.39 points per contest. His 19 goals, including five power-play markers and three game-winners, and 31 assists make him a dominant force on the ice. With a +12 plus-minus rating, he has recorded points in 29 games, including a 10-game streak, and has 16 multi-point performances. As a four-time All-Big Ten selection, Hughes holds the conference’s all-time scoring record with 108 points in league play, including 64 assists and 44 goals. His performance against Big Ten opponents has been particularly impressive, with 25 points in 19 games against Penn State, 21 points each against Michigan State and Wisconsin, and 20 points against Notre Dame and Ohio State. Hughes has maintained an active 13-game point streak against Penn State, scored in five straight contests against Minnesota, and contributed in 15 of 18 career games against Michigan State. He becomes the third Michigan player to win Big Ten Player of the Year, joining Kyle Connor (2016) and Gavin Brindley (2024), and is the first senior to claim the honor.#notre_dame #big_ten #michigan_state #university_of_michigan #tj_hughes

Michigan State's Top March Madness Moments from the Last Decade Michigan State has remained a consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament for nearly three decades, with the 2026 season marking its 28th consecutive appearance. Over the past 10 tournaments, the Spartans have created several unforgettable memories, but three moments stand out as defining highlights. These moments reflect the program’s resilience, talent, and ability to overcome challenges in the high-stakes environment of March Madness. The "Carr Wash" Dunk (2025) One of the most recent and electrifying moments came in the 2025 Sweet 16 matchup against Ole Miss. With the game in its final minutes and Michigan State trailing by one point, the Spartans found themselves in a critical moment. A pivotal play unfolded when Jeremy Fears Jr. leapt to deflect a pass, knocking down Ole Miss’ Sean Pedulla in the process. The loose ball was immediately secured by Coen Carr, who launched a highlight-reel dunk that shifted momentum in favor of Michigan State. The dunk, dubbed the "Carr Wash" by CBS analyst Ian Eagle, became the defining moment of the game, propelling the Spartans to their first Elite Eight appearance since 2019. Carr’s athleticism and the play’s dramatic impact made it a standout moment in the tournament. Run to the Final Four as a 7 Seed (2015) The 2015 tournament remains one of the most surprising runs in MSU history. As a No. 7 seed, the Spartans defied expectations by reaching the Final Four, marking the lowest seed to ever advance that far. The journey began with an upset over No. 10 seed Georgia, followed by a thrilling victory over second-seeded Virginia. In the Sweet 16, they defeated third-seeded Oklahoma, and then topped fourth-seeded Louisville in the Elite Eight.#ole_miss #michigan_state #jeremy_fears_jr #coen_carr #ian_eagle

Tom Izzo's Potential Legacy on College Basketball's Mount Rushmore The discussion around Tom Izzo’s place in college basketball history has intensified as Michigan State’s head coach approaches a potential second national championship. Yahoo Sports Daily hosts Caroline Fenton and Jason Fitz explored how another title would solidify Izzo’s status among the sport’s all-time greats. The conversation highlighted the significance of Izzo’s 2000 championship, the longest active NCAA Tournament appearance streak by a Big 10 team, and the enduring expectations tied to his coaching legacy. Fenton and Fitz noted that Michigan State’s last national title came under Izzo’s leadership in 2000, a milestone that remains unmatched by any other Big 10 program. Despite the team’s consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament and its reputation as a Final Four contender, the absence of a championship since 2000 has sparked debates about Izzo’s ability to adapt to modern college basketball. The hosts emphasized that winning again would not only validate his coaching prowess but also underscore his resilience in maintaining success across two distinct eras of the sport. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of Izzo’s potential victory. A second title would place him in rare company, with only a handful of coaches achieving such a feat. The hosts argued that Izzo’s ability to lead Michigan State to the Elite Eight annually and sustain a high level of performance over decades would position him as one of the sport’s four greatest coaches. The idea of him being etched onto the "Mount Rushmore" of college basketball was framed as a natural progression, given his historical impact and the high standards he has set for his program.#ncaa_tournament #tom_izzo #michigan_state #caroline_fenton #jason_fitz

Tom Izzo is known as "Mr. March" due to his extraordinary success in NCAA tournament play. His reputation as "Mr. March" stems from his remarkable achievements, including a 2000 NCAA championship, 11 regular-season Big Ten championships, six Big Ten Tournament titles, eight Final Four appearances, eight National Coach of the Year awards, and 28 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances—a record for a single school. Izzo’s legacy at Michigan State includes leading the team to its first national title in 2000, when the Spartans defeated Florida in Indianapolis, the same location as this year’s championship game. This victory marked his fifth season as head coach, though he had previously served as an assistant under Jud Heathcote for over a decade. The Spartans’ first title came in 1979 under Heathcote’s leadership, when the team, featuring Magic Johnson and Greg Kelser, beat Indiana State in Salt Lake City. Izzo’s tournament success is further highlighted by his 59-26 record in March Madness games at Michigan State. His streak of 28 straight NCAA tournament appearances (excluding the 2020 season, which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic) remains the longest in Division I men’s basketball history, surpassing legends like Mark Few (Gonzaga, 26), Mike Krzyzewski (Duke, 24), and Dean Smith (North Carolina, 23). His 28 tournament appearances rank tied for fifth all-time and second among active coaches, behind Rick Barnes’ 30. Izzo’s performance in the tournament includes a 21-5 record in the round of 64 and a 0-1 mark in the First Four. His eight Final Four appearances—1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2019—place him among the most successful active coaches.#ncaa_tournament #tom_izzo #michigan_state #jud_heathcote #naismith_memorial_basketball_hall_of_fame

Dom Izzo, a TV and radio broadcaster from Fargo, North Dakota, will miss Michigan State’s NCAA Tournament opener in Buffalo due to a family commitment. The 3-seed Spartans face the 14-seed North Dakota State Bison in the East region first-round game on Thursday, March 19, but Dom Izzo (no relation to the coach) will not be in attendance. The broadcaster, who has worked in Fargo for nearly two decades and serves as sports director at WDAY-TV, has long sought to connect with Tom Izzo, the Michigan State head coach. Despite years of effort, Dom said he has never managed to meet the legendary coach. This year’s matchup, however, presented a unique opportunity. Dom, a native of Oswego, New York, expressed disappointment at the location, noting that Buffalo is 2½ hours from his hometown. “Not Buffalo, because Buffalo is literally 2½ hours from where I grew up,” he said. Dom’s absence is due to his wife’s scheduled surgery on Friday, which prevents him from traveling to Buffalo. Instead, he will stay local to care for her, while also covering Thursday’s NDSU women’s home game against Chattanooga in the WNIT. The Bison, with a 27-7 record, will face the Spartans, who enter the tournament with a 25-7 record, in a matchup that has drawn attention for its unusual pairing of teams. Dom’s attempts to meet Tom Izzo are not new. In 2009, when NDSU made its first NCAA Tournament appearance, the Bison faced Kansas in Minneapolis, and Tom Izzo’s Spartans were also in the area. Dom tried to attend but couldn’t make the trip. A similar opportunity arose in 2019, when Tom Izzo led Michigan State to the Final Four in Minneapolis. Dom again struggled with logistics, unable to make the 3½-hour drive from Fargo.#tom_izzo #michigan_state #dom_izzo #ndsu_bison #wday_tv

Michigan State basketball faces off against North Dakota State in NCAA tournament first round Michigan State, seeded third, will take on 14th-seeded North Dakota State in the NCAA tournament first round on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. The game will be held at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, and will be broadcast on TNT with radio coverage on Spartan Sports Network, including WJIM 1240-AM and WMMQ 94.9-FM. The matchup pits a top-ranked team against an unranked but highly competitive opponent, with Michigan State aiming to extend its NCAA tournament streak and North Dakota State seeking its first tournament victory since 2019. Michigan State enters the game with a 25-7 overall record, finishing second in the Big Ten at 15-5. The Spartans, ranked No. 11 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches polls, have shown strong performance in recent weeks, including a strong finish to the regular season. Their offensive and defensive efficiency rankings—No. 24 and No. 13, respectively, per Kenpom—suggest they are nearing the level required to compete for a national title. However, their defensive numbers have dipped slightly, though they remain dominant on the glass, ranking first nationally in defensive rebounding and fourth in offensive rebounding. Junior point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. has been a standout for Michigan State, setting a single-season assist record with 294, surpassing the previous mark held by Cassius Winston. Fears, who leads the nation in assists at 9.2 per game, has been named to second-team All-American honors by the Associated Press and third-team by the Sporting News. Coach Tom Izzo, in his 31st season with the Spartans, has guided the team to its 28th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.#tnt #michigan_state #north_dakota_state #keybank_center #spartan_sports_network

Fab Five Stars Jalen Rose and Chris Webber Reflect on Their Legacy and Michigan's Treatment of Basketball Jalen Rose and Chris Webber, two of the iconic Fab Five members, reunited for a dual interview on TNT Sports’ The Steam Room, marking their first conversation in over two decades. During the 40-minute discussion with hosts Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson, Rose expressed his belief that the Fab Five would have been treated differently at Michigan State, which he described as a “basketball school,” compared to the University of Michigan, which he called a “football school.” The conversation took an unexpected turn when Barkley recounted his experience at Auburn, where the basketball team was treated less favorably than the football team. He described how the basketball team was often told to leave the dining hall by 7 p.m. to make way for the football team, which enjoyed meals like steak and lobster while the basketball players ate hamburgers and hot dogs. Rose and Webber laughed at the anecdote, with Rose later echoing Barkley’s frustration. Rose emphasized that Michigan has never acknowledged the Fab Five’s contributions, pointing out that their banners are not displayed in the arena. “Michigan is 100% a football school,” he said, adding that if the Fab Five had attended Michigan State, they would have been treated differently. He noted the university’s focus on football, citing the massive crowds at games as evidence. The Fab Five, consisting of Rose, Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, dominated college basketball in the 1990s, leading Michigan to consecutive NCAA championship game appearances in 1992 and 1993. However, their legacy was tarnished by the Ed Martin booster scandal.#michigan_state #university_of_michigan #jalen_rose #chris_webber #fab_five

Browns cut ties with 2-time All-Pro, former 1st-round pick as free agency begins The Cleveland Browns have released veteran offensive tackle Jack Conklin, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The move, while anticipated by some, has left fans reflecting on the reliability and consistency Conklin provided over the years. Conklin, a former first-round pick, was selected No. 8 overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Michigan State. The Browns acquired him ahead of the 2020 season, and after four seasons with the Titans, he spent the next six years as a cornerstone right tackle for Cleveland. During his tenure with the Browns, Conklin earned two All-Pro honors, though his career was marked by recurring injuries that limited his availability. Throughout his time with the Titans, Conklin played in 57 games. With the Browns, he matched that total, appearing in 57 games across six seasons. However, his playing time fluctuated significantly, with varying numbers of games per season: 15 in 2020, 7 in 2021, 14 in 2022, 1 in 2023, 12 in 2024, and 8 in 2025. Despite these inconsistencies, Conklin remained a dependable presence when healthy, contributing to the Browns’ offensive line. The Browns have made multiple changes to their offensive line this offseason, signaling a shift toward rebuilding the unit. With Conklin’s departure, the team is moving forward with a new group of players, hoping for greater stability and longevity. While Conklin’s future remains uncertain, his time with the Browns has been described as a mix of challenges and contributions. His release marks the end of a chapter for the veteran tackle, who will now seek opportunities elsewhere in the league.#michigan_state #nfl_network #tennessee_titans #cleveland_browns #jack_conklin

Michigan State vs. Michigan: Game Preview, Prediction, and Key Matchup Analysis Michigan State and Michigan will face off in a highly anticipated matchup at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, March 7, at 4:30 p.m. ET. The game, which carries significant implications for both teams’ NCAA tournament seeding, pits the No. 8-ranked Spartans against the No. 3 Wolverines. Michigan State enters the contest with a 25-5 overall record and a 15-4 mark in the Big Ten, while Michigan boasts a 28-2 record and a 18-1 conference slate. The Wolverines, who have already secured the Big Ten title, are favored at -10.5 points on the betting line. Tom Izzo’s Michigan State squad, now in his 31st season as head coach, looks to build on a recent close victory over Rutgers, which kept them in the running for a No. 2 or 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Spartans’ performance against Michigan will be crucial for their tournament positioning, as will the outcome of Nebraska’s final game against Iowa. A Spartans win or a Nebraska loss could secure them a No. 2 seed in the Big Ten tournament. Michigan, meanwhile, remains undefeated on the road this season after a narrow 71-68 win over Iowa, a feat not seen in the Big Ten since 1974. The Wolverines, led by head coach Dusty May, are ranked No. 2 in the NET and Kenpom rankings, with a top-tier defense and a strong offense. However, they face a challenge with the loss of sophomore guard L.J. Cason to a torn ACL, a key contributor off the bench. Despite this, Michigan’s depth and resilience have been evident throughout the season. The matchup features two standout players: Jeremy Fears Jr. for Michigan State and Yaxel Lendeborg for Michigan.#michigan #tom_izzo #michigan_state #crisler_center #dusty_may

BetMGM Offers $150 Bonus and Casino Deals via CUSE150 Code for March 8th Sports Events On Sunday, March 8, 2026, BetMGM Sportsbook is launching a special promotion for new users in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan through its bonus code CUSE150. The offer provides $150 in bonus bets for qualifying wagers, with additional casino rewards available in select states. The promotion coincides with a busy day of sports action, including the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a slate of NBA and college basketball games. To participate, users must register for a BetMGM Sportsbook account using the CUSE150 code and deposit at least $10. A winning $10 wager on any NBA or college basketball matchup will unlock the $150 bonus bets, which can be used across live betting, parlays, and player props in major sports. The promotion also extends to casino users in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, offering up to $5,000 in casino perks through state-specific deals. In Michigan, new users can take advantage of the "Slam Dunk Spin The Wheel" promotion, which rewards a $10 bet on NBA games (minimum odds of -200) with a chance to win up to $5,000 in instant prizes. Other casino offers include a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 and $25 bonus credit upon signup. Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents also have access to the Borgata Casino promo, which includes a choice between a $500 deposit match or 20 bonus spins for every $10 deposited, with daily spin-the-wheel opportunities for up to 1,000 bonus spins. The day’s sports highlights include NBA matchups such as Boston vs. Cleveland, New York vs. L.A. Lakers, and Dallas vs. Toronto, along with college basketball games featuring top-ranked teams like Illinois, Michigan State, and Michigan.#betmgm #nba #arnold_palmer_invitational #borgata_casino #michigan_state