Michigan State Spartans vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Picks and Prediction for Tuesday January 27 2026
The Michigan State Spartans, who boast an impressive overall 18-2 record, including an 8-1 mark in Big Ten play, are set to hit the road for a matchup in Piscataway, New Jersey. There, they’ll face off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, who currently sit at 9-11 overall and 2-7 in the conference. Michigan State will be aiming to build on their strong season and keep their momentum going atop the Big Ten standings. Get involved in the action with our free college basketball picks.
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Michigan State vs. Rutgers Game Information
- January 27, 2026
- 6:30pm EST
- Jersey Mike’s Arena
- FS1
Rutgers Form & Recent Results
Rutgers is preparing for this game hoping to snap a three-game losing skid and have dropped four out of their last five games. Most recently, the Scarlet Knights suffered a lopsided 82-59 defeat at home against Indiana. Despite the loss, Tariq Francis put on a standout performance by pouring in 28 points and dishing out three assists, while Emmanuel Ogbole battled hard on the boards, grabbing seven rebounds. As a team, Rutgers managed to limit their turnovers to just five in that game, a small positive in an otherwise disappointing result.
This season, Tariq Francis has emerged as Rutgers’ primary scoring threat, averaging an impressive 15.9 points per game. Dylan Grant has consistently contributed as the team’s second option, chipping in with an average of 11.1 points. Emmanuel Ogbole has been reliable on the glass, leading the Scarlet Knights with 6.9 rebounds per game, and Jamichael Davis has facilitated the offense, averaging a team-best 2.6 assists. Unfortunately, Rutgers’ defense has struggled recently, giving up an average of 80.4 points across their last five games. However, their home form has been a bright spot. With an 8-4 record at Jersey Mike’s Arena and averaging 72.3 points per home game, the Scarlet Knights will look to harness that energy and get back on track against a strong Michigan State squad. 
Michigan State Form & Recent Results
Michigan State heads into this game ranked tenth in the most recent AP Poll, riding high on a six-game winning streak. Their confidence is well-earned, especially after an emphatic 91-48 victory over Maryland at home last Saturday. In that game, Jeremy Fears Jr. put on a stellar performance, racking up 17 points and an impressive 17 assists, while Carson Cooper anchored the team defensively by pulling down 8 rebounds. The Spartans put on a shooting clinic, hitting 61% of their shots from the field and an impressive 47% from the three-point line. They were also efficient at the free-throw line, converting 74% of their attempts. Controlling the pace, Michigan State gave up just 8 turnovers, dominated the boards with 35 rebounds, and maintained the lead for nearly the entire game.
So far this season, Jeremy Fears Jr. has been the driving force for the Spartans, leading the team in scoring with an average of 13.4 points per game. Close behind him is Jaxon Kohler, who not only averages 13.2 points but also leads Michigan State in rebounding, grabbing 9.6 boards each matchup. Fears Jr. has also excelled as a playmaker, dishing out an average of 8.9 assists per game. Over their last five games, the Spartans have averaged 79.2 points, showcasing a potent offense. On the road, Michigan State has posted a solid 3-1 record, putting up an average of 70 points per game. Now, as they travel to Piscataway, they’ll look to keep their momentum going and add another statement win to their impressive Big Ten season.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  David Delano | +3,449.00 |
| 2 |  Ricky Tran | +3,425.00 |
| 3 |  The Gold Sheet | +3,417.00 |
| 4 |  Mark Ruelle | +3,223.00 |
| 5 |  Nick Parsons | +2,509.00 |
Key Stats
- Michigan State Spartans this season: 48% field goal percentage, 41.3 rebounds, 18.9 assists, 4.6 blocks, 5.9 steals per game
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights this season: 41% field goal percentage, 35.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 3.7 blocks, 6.2 steals per game
Betting Odds & Market Overview:
- MSU -14.5; O/U 136.5
Michigan State vs. Rutgers Picks and Prediction
Michigan State has been a force when it comes to rebounding this season, consistently grabbing more boards than their opponents. This strength on the glass is likely to put significant pressure on Rutgers’ defense during the upcoming game. The Scarlet Knights know they’ll need to raise their level of physicality and focus in order to keep the Spartans from controlling the boards and setting the tone. With Michigan State already having won eight out of their first nine Big Ten games, Rutgers faces a tough battle, but they’ll be hoping to disrupt the Spartans’ momentum and make every rebound a fight. Final Score Prediction, Michigan State Spartans win but fail to cover the spread, 72-68.
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