Michigan State vs. Rutgers Basketball Preview: Analysis and Prediction
The upcoming basketball game between Michigan State University (MSU) and Rutgers promises to be an exciting matchup. Both teams are preparing for their meeting in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Game Details
- Matchup: Michigan State at Rutgers
- Date and Time: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
- Venue: Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Broadcast: FS1 and Spartan Sports Network (WJIM 1240-AM, WMMQ 94.9-FM), SiriusXM channels 195 (MSU) and 381 (Rutgers)
Team Records and Rankings
- Michigan State: 18-2 overall, 8-1 in the Big Ten
- Ranking: No. 7 (Associated Press), No. 8 (USA TODAY Coaches poll), No. 10 (NET rankings), No. 4 (Kenpom.com)
- Rutgers: 9-11 overall, 2-7 in the Big Ten
- Ranking: Unranked, No. 167 (NET rankings), No. 159 (Kenpom.com)
Coaching Records
- Tom Izzo (Michigan State): 755-304, 31st season
- Steve Pikiell (Rutgers): 353-235, 22nd season
Historical Matchup
Michigan State leads the all-time series against Rutgers 14-3. The Spartans won the previous encounter last season but have struggled at Rutgers’ home court in recent years, losing their last two visits.
Projected Lineups
| Michigan State | Position | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Carson Cooper | C | 10.7 |
| Jaxon Kohler | PF | 13.2 |
| Coen Carr | SF | 11.4 |
| Divine Ugochukwu | SG | 5.3 |
| Jeremy Fears Jr. | PG | 13.4 |
| Rutgers | Position | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel Ogbole | C | 4.9 |
| Dylan Grant | F | 11.1 |
| Darren Buchanan | F | 8.2 |
| Kaden Powers | G | 6.1 |
| Jamichael Davis | PG | 7.6 |
Current Form and Analysis
Michigan State comes off a dominant win against Maryland, marking a significant moment in Big Ten history. Jeremy Fears Jr. had an outstanding game with 17 points and 17 assists. The Spartans rank first nationally in defensive efficiency, particularly excelling in rebounding.
Conversely, Rutgers is facing a challenging season with a youthful roster lacking the firepower of past years. Their current form includes two victories over top 100 teams but also significant losses to elite Big Ten teams.
Matchup Outlook
While Rutgers struggles with both offensive and defensive efficiency, MSU looks to capitalize on these weaknesses. The Spartans should maintain strong focus to secure a victory. Given their current momentum, a comfortable win is anticipated.
Prediction
Michigan State is expected to triumph over Rutgers with a predicted score of MSU 75, Rutgers 61. This game not only tests MSU’s capabilities but also sets the stage for their upcoming rivalry against Michigan.
