Spartans' elite defense clashes with struggling Rutgers offense. Can Michigan State maintain its surge before the Michigan rivalry?
WHO: Michigan State Spartans (18–2, 8–1) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9–11, 2–7)
WHERE: Jersey Mike’s Arena — Piscataway, NJ
WHEN: Tuesday, January 27th | 6:30 PM EST
WATCH: Fox Sports One
Michigan State has one final stop to make before what many are already calling an epic showdown with the Michigan Wolverines on Friday night. But before the Spartans can turn their attention to that rivalry clash, they’ll need to take care of business on the road against Rutgers on Tuesday.
And right now, Michigan State looks more than ready.
The Spartans are playing their best basketball of the season, and it hasn’t mattered whether the games are being played at the Breslin Center or away from home. Michigan State has found its rhythm on both ends of the floor, dominating opponents with physical defense and increasingly efficient offense. The surge has been so consistent that Ken Pomeroy now ranks the Spartans fourth in the nation in net efficiency, a reflection of just how balanced this team has become.
Defense, however, remains the calling card.
Michigan State currently sits first in the nation in defensive efficiency, posting an elite 88.9 rating — the only team in the country below 90. They’re trailed closely by Michigan, the very team awaiting them later this week, making Tuesday night an important tune-up before the spotlight gets even brighter.
Early in the season, it was obvious the Spartans were good defensively. They held elite programs like Duke, North Carolina, and Arkansas under 70 points while controlling the glass and forcing uncomfortable possessions. But as the season has moved toward its final two months, it’s become clear this defense isn’t just good — it’s special. With each passing game, Michigan State continues to prove it may be one of the most dominant defensive units college basketball has seen in years.
Rutgers, on the other hand, is enduring a season most Scarlet Knight fans would rather forget.
The Knights enter Tuesday night having lost three straight games, and offense has been their biggest issue. Rutgers has averaged just 60.5 points per game over their last two contests, and that’s a concerning number heading into a matchup against the nation’s top defense. Over Michigan State’s last two games, opponents have combined to average only 50 points, creating a statistical mountain Rutgers will have to climb.
On the season, Rutgers averages 69.7 points per game, ranking tied for 319th in the nation. Michigan State allows just 62.8 points per game, which ranks fifth-best nationally.
The advantage doesn’t stop there.
Michigan State holds the edge in nearly every major statistical category. The Spartans shoot 47.9% from the field, tied for 52nd in the country, while Rutgers ranks near the bottom at 40.7% (343rd out of 365). From beyond the arc, Michigan State connects on 35.8% of its three-point attempts, compared to Rutgers’ 31.9%, which ranks 283rd nationally.
Ball movement has also been a major strength for the Spartans. Michigan State ranks 11th in the nation in assists per game (18.9), led by star point guard Jeremy Fears, who averages 8.8 assists per game — the second-highest mark in the country. Fears is coming off a dominant 17-assist performance against Maryland, continuing to orchestrate the offense at an elite level.
Rebounding, often the key to Michigan State victories, should again favor the Spartans. MSU ranks among the nation’s best, pulling down 38.4 rebounds per game, while Rutgers averages just 32.2, ranking 204th nationally.
The one area where Michigan State still trails is turnovers — a season-long flaw. While the Spartans have made progress, lowering their average from 12 turnovers per game to 11.4, they still rank tied for 188th nationally. Rutgers averages 10.6 turnovers, making ball security one area MSU must continue to clean up as the postseason approaches.
Prediction
This game sets up well for Michigan State. Yes, it’s a Big Ten road game, and those are never guaranteed wins. The Spartans struggled earlier in true road environments, but that narrative may finally be changing. Their most recent road trip — a west coast swing against Washington and Oregon — was handled with confidence and control.
It appears Michigan State has addressed its road demons, though that possibility always lingers. Still, this matchup strongly favors the Spartans, and it should serve as a solid tune-up before Friday night’s highly anticipated showdown with Michigan.
Final Score Prediction:
Michigan State - 75
Rutgers - 55