The second half began like a prize fight in the later rounds—both sides trading blows, neither willing to fall. Michigan State turned to its interior presence, with junior center Malik Thompson asserting his dominance in the paint. Thompson racked up a double-double before the 10-minute mark, controlling the glass and swatting away multiple Lobo attempts at the rim.

MSU’s Second-Half Surge Led by Malik Thompson Secures Gritty Win Over Lobos in High-Stakes Showdown

In a game that felt more like a heavyweight bout than a basketball contest, the Michigan State Spartans leaned on their bruising interior force to pull out a gutsy 76–71 victory over the New Mexico Lobos on Monday night. The defining difference? Junior center Malik Thompson, who unleashed a dominant second-half performance that reminded the Breslin Center faithful why he’s considered one of the Big Ten’s most feared big men.

The second half opened with both teams locked in a dead heat, tied at 36–36. What followed resembled a classic prizefight—every possession, a jab or counterpunch. But it was Thompson who turned the tide.

By the 10-minute mark of the second half, Thompson had already secured a double-double, finishing the night with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His relentless effort on the glass created second-chance opportunities that the Spartans converted into crucial baskets during a tense back-and-forth stretch.

“He was a beast in the paint tonight,” said head coach Tom Izzo after the game. “Every time we needed a stop or a board, Malik was there. That’s leadership by example.”

The Lobos, led by senior guard Elijah Torres, refused to go away quietly. Torres scored 23 points and nearly brought New Mexico back within one possession late in the game. But with just over two minutes remaining, Thompson delivered the dagger—snatching an offensive rebound over two defenders and slamming it home to ignite the crowd and push the lead to six.

Thompson’s effort wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. After the game, he revealed he was playing in honor of his late grandfather, who passed away earlier in the week. “I had to go hard for him tonight,” Thompson said, eyes glistening. “This one was for my family.”

The win improves Michigan State’s record to 11–2, while New Mexico falls to 9–4. For the Spartans, it was another lesson in grit and perseverance. For Malik Thompson, it was a coming-of-age performance that might just catapult his name into the national conversation.