The Badgers hadn't given up a set since October 21 before entering Rec Hall Saturday night.
The Nittany Lions lost a war of attrition with the Spartans able to outlast a fatigued defense for the win.
Kanye Clary scored 20-plus points for the second-straight game.
The Nittany Lions rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third period.
The Nittany Lions are now 30-2 all-time against the Wolverines at Rec Hall.
Penn State breezed past the Blue Devils to move onto the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.