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Three takes from Michigan State basketball’s win over Purdue

Michigan State basketball conquered some demons on Thursday night, going into Mackey Arena and defeating Purdue for the first time since 2014, 76-74.

The win comes at a big moment for the Spartans, with March right around the corner, and seeding for the NCAA Tournament at an all time high importance. 

Following the win, here are our three takeaways from the win:

Momentum

The Spartans are heading into the best time of the year, March, and with three regular season games left, this was the perfect time for a massive win like this.

Conquering the Mackey demons will bolster this team into the final stretch of games before the biggest games of the year unfold.

Tourney seeding

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. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

As of sunday the Spartans were on the 4-line, but this was the best win for the team to bolster their resume towards the 3-line.

Getting to the 3-line and avoiding a 1-seed in the Sweet 16, and a 5-seed in the round of 32, is the upmost importance,

Carr at the 4

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. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

There is no denying it, this team is at its best when Carr is playing power forward, and it is a move we need to see Izzo make moving forward.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Three takeaways from Michigan State basketball’s win over Purdue

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