EAST LANSING— Two weeks ago, Michigan State rose to No. 4 in the AP poll, their highest mark all season. However, MSU fell to No. 12 in the latest poll rankings because of the recent lopsided 79-65 loss to Northwestern. 

As a result of the loss, MSU is now the No. 4 ranked team in the Big Ten, behind No. 4 Iowa, No. 9 Wisconsin, and No. 11 Rutgers.

The Spartans had not played since last Sunday when they beat Oakland 109-91. Their best win of the season was a road win against Duke, who were ranked at No. 6, but subsequently fell to No. 20 after a loss to No. 18 Illinois. 

The last time MSU lost their first conference game was during the 2015-16 season when they lost to Iowa on the road 83-70. 

The Spartans have the opportunity on Friday to fly back up the rankings if they knock off No. 9 Wisconsin at the Breslin Center. The Spartans will then travel to take on Minnesota on Dec. 28.