Spartan Nation

Social Media Reacts to Michigan State's Huge Win at Purdue

Michigan State just got its first win in Mackey Arena against Purdue for the first time in 12 years.
Luke Joseph|
Feb 26, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) calls a play during the first half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena.
Feb 26, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) calls a play during the first half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

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Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State is coming off a sloppy win against Ohio State at home. Carson Cooper and Jordan Scott led the Spartans to victory, with Cooper having a career high 20 points on 7-10 shooting from the field and also grabbing 11 rebounds.

Now, Tom Izzo and Michigan State are heading to Mackey Arena to try and win at Purdue for the first time in 12 years.

Lets see how Spartan fans react to the game

First Half

Coen Car
Feb 26, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Coen Carr (55) looks to shoot the ball during the first half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

After a nice Carson Cooper hook shot to give the Spartans a 2-0 lead, Purdue would go on a quick 7-0 run.

Purdue Big Man Oscar Cluff has been dominating the paint against the Spartans. Great post moves to fake out Jaxon Kohler gives Cluff eight points on 4-4 shooting from the field.

At the first tv timeout, Michigan State just cant make shots and have been reckless with the ball with two turnovers.

Coming out of the timeout, Michigan State would force a five second call on Purdue forcing a turnover, then Jeremy Fears would make a three plus a foul making it a four point play.

Michigan State would go on a 10-2 run andtake a 16-15 lead. Cam Ward has done a nice job on the inside being aggressive, and making his presence known down in the paint.

After going back and forthtrading buckets, Kur Teng would make a huge three point shot to Give the Spartans a 24-23 lead. Cam Ward would then have a great defensive play to force a Purdue turnover going into the media timeout.

Purdue big man Daniel Jacobsen would get bullied and posterized twice, once by Coen Carr, and Carson Cooper.

Heading into halftime, Michigan State would trail 39-36. Coen Carr and Carson Cooper would lead the team with seven point each, while Cam Ward would have great moments off the bench.

Second Half

Carson Coope
Feb 26, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15) dribbles around Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) during the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The start of the second half would be very physical. Michigan Statw would take advantage of the physicallity and would play better defense compared to the begining of the first half. Michigan State would lead Purdue49-46 at the first tv timeout.

After a good play to split the defense, Jeremy Fears would get fouled and would seemingly injure his wrist, but would stay in the game.

After knocking down a contested three, Kur Teng would get a big steal and give it up to Coen Carr for a windmill break away dunk.

Carson Cooper would get called for his third foul of the game and Purdue would make it a one possesion game.

Jordan Scott with a huge offensive rebound and foul called on Purdue, putting MSU in the bounus with 4:40 remaining in the game.

Jeremy Fears with an impossible drive through the lane for the layup, puting the Spartans up eight, forcing Purdue to call a timeout.

Purdue would not go down without a fight and would go on a 8-2 run to make it a one possession game.

Coming out of the MSU timeout, Michigan State couldn't get a shot off leading to a turnover and giving Purdue the ball with 26 second left and a chance to win the win.

Carson Cooper would play great defense on Trey Kaufman-Renn, Cam Ward would get the rebound and get fouled. Ward missed the free throw and Purdue would call the timeout with three second remaining.

Braden Smith would miss the shot, and Michigan State wins at Mackey Arena for the first time in 12 years with a 76-74 final.

Keep up with all our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on MSU's game at Purdue when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.

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Luke Joseph
LUKE JOSEPH

Luke Joseph is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in journalism. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of sports and commitment to storytelling, he serves as a general sports reporter On SI, covering the NFL and college athletics with insight and expertise.

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