Fueled by strong rebounding and hot 3-point shooting, No. 8 Michigan State beat No. 11 Wisconsin 71-62 in a game marred by frequent fouls.

The Badgers (22-6, 12-5 Big Ten) travel to the Breslin Center Sunday for a key late-season matchup with the Spartans, the Big Ten's co-leader.

The race for the Big Ten regular-season title will come down to the final week of the regular season with No. 8 Michigan State and No. 11 Wisconsin's battle at the Breslin Center on Sunday looming large with implications for the conference and beyond.

A pivotal Big Ten game took place Sunday between No. 8 Michigan State and No. 12 Wisconsin. Here's a recap of the updates, score and highlights.

Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) and Wisconsin guard Jack Janicki, left, reach for a rebound as Michigan State forward Coen Carr (55) and Wisconsin guard John Tonje (9) watch during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, March 2, 2025, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) AP

But the 3-point shooting and missing persisted for Wisconsin. After Blackwell opened the second half with a layup off a backcut, the Badgers missed their next six attempts from the field as the Spartans went on an 8-0 run to take a 40-36 lead with 16:55 to go in the game.

Jase Richardson assisted on three straight buckets in the final minutes to push MSU basketball past Wisconsin and one step closer to Big Ten title.

The University of Wisconsin men's basketball team will be without a starting guard for its most important road game of the season. Late shot clock execution remains strength for patient Wisconsin men's basketball

Its Sunday, March 2, and the Wisconsin Badgers (22-6, 12-5) and the Michigan State Spartans (23-5, 14- 3) meet this afternoon at Jack Breslin Students Events Center in East Lansing. First place in the Big Ten remains up for grabs with three games remaining in the regular season.

The Badgers coach met with the media following a 71-62 loss to the Spartans Sunday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

Columnist Graham Couch gives his thoughts on the Spartans' performance Sunday afternoon in a 71-62 win over Wisconsin with 3 quick takes.