Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Ranking Michigan State basketball’s top 3 most hated rivals

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State basketball's Malik Hall (25) boxes out Purdue forward Evan Boudreaux (12) during the first half of a NCAA men's basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.Bkc Purdue Vs Michigan State
Michigan State basketball's Malik Hall (25) boxes out Purdue forward Evan Boudreaux (12) during the first half of a NCAA men's basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.Bkc Purdue Vs Michigan State /
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Purdue guard Isaiah Thompson (11) and Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman (23) wrestle for the ball during the first half of a NCAA men’s basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette. Bkc Purdue Vs Michigan State
Purdue guard Isaiah Thompson (11) and Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman (23) wrestle for the ball during the first half of a NCAA men’s basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette. Bkc Purdue Vs Michigan State /

3. Purdue Boilermakers (55-67 since 1950)

This is one of those “speak into existence” rivalries that has come about thanks to Purdue fans. This wouldn’t be a top three rivalry if it weren’t for Boilermaker faithful trash-talking Michigan State fans, players, coaches and recruits like they kicked their dogs.

It’s an odd disdain that probably originated from Tom Izzo scooping recruits from a slightly above average coach like Matt Painter. Is it a crime to be a better recruiter?

Whatever the reason, Purdue also just seems to get up for this game above all other, especially when it’s played at Mackey Arena. That arena is Michigan State’s kryptonite and you don’t have to look that far back to see — the 2019-20 season result in West Lafayette was ugly. Purdue doesn’t miss at home against the Spartans and, well, it’s annoying.

This Purdue fan hatred for the Spartans has forced Michigan State fans’ hands and now the dislike is mutual.

Michigan State fans like nothing more than seeing Purdue lose big games and recruiting battles and fail to reach Final Fours.

And Purdue always seems to have that one unathletic sharpshooting dude who torches MSU (see: Evan Boudreaux in 2019-20).

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