Spartans battle hostile crowds and Penn State's undefeated home streak in their first true road test. Can they find their shot?
Nearly a week has gone by since Michigan State last stepped on the court, and the lingering frustration of the Duke loss has sat heavy on the Spartans ever since. Now, Michigan State has the chance to get the taste of defeat out of its mouth as it heads on the road for a matchup against Big Ten foe Penn State. For the second straight Saturday, the Spartans will headline your afternoon with a conference showdown—this time in a hostile venue where the Nittany Lions have yet to lose this season.
Who: No. 9 Michigan State Spartans (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten) vs Penn State Nittany Lions (8-2, 0-1 Big Ten)
When: Saturday, December 13 — 12:00 PM EST
Where: Bryce Jordan Center — University Park, PA
Watch: Big Ten Network
Series History
- Games Played: 54
- Michigan State Wins: 44
- Penn State Wins: 10
The Spartans own an overwhelming .815 winning percentage in this matchup, winning 44 of 54 meetings. Their most recent battle came on January 15, 2025, when Michigan State escaped with a 90–85 victory behind strong performances from Frankie Fidler and Jaden Akins—two players no longer on the current roster. Even without those contributors, Michigan State enters Saturday with a deeper, more balanced team.
Game Overview
This trip marks Michigan State’s first true road game of the season. While the Spartans have played at neutral sites—including a marquee matchup against North Carolina—those games still felt like green-and-white sections dominated the building. That won’t be the case in University Park. Penn State is undefeated at home (6–0) and will feed off a rowdy crowd looking to hand Michigan State its second straight loss.
If the Spartans expect to walk away with a road win, the formula isn’t complicated:
- Shoot significantly better than they did against Duke
- Take smarter shots
- Limit turnovers
Penn State allows 9.1 made threes per game, one of the most vulnerable marks in the Big Ten. Michigan State, however, averages just 6.8 made threes per matchup. That puts pressure on the backcourt duo of Jeremy Fears Jr. and Kur Teng, who combined to go 0-for-15 from the field versus Duke. Fears may not need to score heavily—he leads the nation in assists at 9.8 per game—but Teng will need to rediscover his rhythm to stretch the floor.
Inside, the Spartans will lean on Jaxon Kohler, who continues to push toward a double-double average (14.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg), and Cohen Carr, whose athleticism has made him a matchup problem (11.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg). A week of rest should also benefit freshman Cam Ward, who gutted through the Duke game but didn’t look like the physically imposing presence he has become early in the season.
Scouting Penn State
Don’t expect Penn State to roll over. Head coach Mike Rhoades will likely throw defensive wrinkles—especially zone—after Duke’s zone scheme visibly disrupted Michigan State. The Nittany Lions are led by breakout freshman Kayden Mingo (15.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.0 apg), a dynamic guard capable of attacking at all three levels. They also feature junior Freddie Dilione (13.3 ppg) and freshman Melih Tunca (12.8 ppg).
Most importantly:
- Penn State is 7–0 this season when winning the turnover battle.
- They turn it over only 8.8 times per game, 3rd best in the nation.
If the Spartans aren’t clean with the ball, they’ll be playing uphill all afternoon.
Prediction
Michigan State’s strength of schedule already ranks 13th toughest nationally, and the battles aren’t slowing down. The defense continues to hold opponents to just 61 points per game, but the offensive efficiency must improve.
Expect a competitive, tense game, but the Spartans’ talent and depth should travel well enough to escape University Park with a hard-earned victory.
Prediction:
Michigan State - 76
Penn State - 69