What’s being said nationally after Michigan basketball beats MSU in top-10 matchup

Michigan’s basketball team snapped a seven-game losing streak at the Breslin Center and moved into sole possession of first place in the Big Ten with an 83-71 win over Michigan State on Friday night.

After letting an 18-point lead in the second half evaporate, the third-ranked Wolverines (20-1, 10-1) closed the game on a 28-14 run in the final 7:26.  

No. 7 MSU (19-3, 9-2) didn’t receive many contributions offensively outside of Jeremy Fears, who scored a career-high 31 points.

Yaxel Lendeborg had 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead Michigan to its second win over a top-five opponent this week.

Here’s what’s being said nationally about Friday’s game:

STORIES

No. 3 Michigan beats No. 7 Michigan State 83-71, takes sole possession of 1st place in Big Ten (Associated Press)

Michigan downs Michigan State at Breslin for first time in eight years (Detroit News)

Michigan State basketball’s cold shooting just too costly vs Michigan (Detroit Free Press)

3 quick takes on Michigan State basketball’s 83-71 loss to Michigan (Lansing State Journal)

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS

CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein posted: “Trey McKenney is the wildcard for Michigan’s national title hopes. Four straight games in double figures. A key scorer in reserve.”

Detroit News’ Bob Wojnowski posted: “Wolverines regained their composure, hit their free throws and pulled away down the stretch. This was the Yaxel Lendeborg many thought could be a player of the year candidate. Jeremy Fears Jr. was great but probably wore down. Michigan finally wins in Breslin 83-71.”

The Athletic’s Joe Rexrode posted: “Decisive, statement win for Michigan at Michigan State. Might be Arizona, Michigan and everyone else. (Until Houston puts it all together)”

Former Michigan coach John Beilein posted: “Great win in every way. We were ready to play with a fabulous plan. Love the way we withstood their second half run and showed we were the better team. Always good to win at Breslin”

Detroit Free Press’ Tony Garcia posted: “Party like it’s 2018 – U-M has its first win in EL, 83-71, since the year of its last national title trip. Lendeborg’s best game in two months with 26 and 13, Cadeau added 17 – with a huge 3 late – and Morez was the best defensive player all night. The signature Dusty May win.”

The Athletic’s Chris Vannini posted: Heck of a game in East Lansing. Michigan supremely talented and made several huge shots down the stretch. MSU fought like hell to come all the way back and take the lead w/o much from guys beyond Fears.”

The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich posted: “Elliott Cadeau was the MVP of the game. He outplayed Fears.”