Playing at a clip of a game every three days, Big Ten basketball is officially in full swing.
The Spartans (13-2, 3-1) return to action tonight at the Breslin Center as they host Northwestern (8-6, 0-3). Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM EST on Big Ten Network.
WHO: No. 12 Michigan State Spartans (13-2, 3-1) vs Northwestern Wildcats (8-6, 0-3)
WHERE: Jack Breslin Center — East Lansing, MI
WHEN: 6:30 PM EST
WATCH: Big Ten Network
Michigan State Overview
Michigan State remains at home for its second game at the Breslin Center in four days. On Monday, the Spartans took care of business against USC, a team that entered with 12 wins and averaged 87 points per game. MSU’s defense locked in as it has all season, holding the Trojans to just 51 points in an 80–51 rout.
That dominant performance came on the heels of a narrow 58–56 road loss to undefeated Nebraska. Even in defeat, the Spartans showed exactly who they are: a slow-paced, blue-collar, almost football-style basketball team that thrives on control and toughness. That style continues to throw opponents off. This defense has allowed only three teams to reach 70 points all season, and just one team to score more than 72 through 15 games.
Defense may be the calling card, but you still have to score — and that responsibility largely falls on Jaxon Kohler. Kohler owns one of the most lethal outside shots in the country, ranking second nationally in three-point percentage at 53.7%, trailing only Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic (56.3%). That is elite territory.
Kohler isn’t doing it alone. Coen Carr and Jeremy Fears Jr. both average 11.9 points per game, while center Carson Cooper adds 9.7 ppg. Kur Teng rounds out the top five scorers as he continues to grow into the two-guard role.
The Spartans have earned the nickname “Rebounding University,” and for good reason. Kohler averages a double-double with 10.2 rebounds per game, ranking 16th nationally. Cooper chips in 7.1 rpg, while Carr adds 5.1. Even the freshmen are contributing — Cam Ward averages 4.2 rpg and Jordan Scott pulls down 3.5 off the bench.
Everything runs through the floor general, Jeremy Fears Jr., who averages 9.0 assists per game, second in the Big Ten behind Purdue’s Braden Smith (9.5 apg), the new conference record holder.
As a team, Michigan State averages 79.1 points per game while shooting 36.3% from three (T-68 nationally). On the glass, the Spartans rank T-8th nationally in rebounds per game (39.8) and T-13th in offensive rebounds (12.4).
Northwestern Overview
Northwestern enters this matchup searching for answers. The Wildcats own a winning overall record but remain winless in conference play. They’ve been competitive, just unable to find the extra gear needed to close out games against quality opponents.
Their losses tell the story: Oklahoma State by five, Virginia by five, Ohio State by four, Butler by three, and most recently Minnesota by six.
The Wildcats are led by Nick Martinelli, the fifth-leading scorer in the nation, averaging 23.0 points per game while also tying for the team lead in rebounds (6.5 rpg). Arrinten Page matches Martinelli on the boards and is second on the team in scoring at 15.0 ppg. Jayden Reid rounds out the top three scorers at 11.6 ppg and leads the team in assists (5.4 apg).
Northwestern’s biggest weakness is rebounding — the very area Michigan State dominates. The Wildcats average just 30.4 rebounds per game (T-283 nationally) and rank T-314th in offensive rebounds at only 7.9 per game.
What keeps Northwestern competitive is ball security. They average just 8.4 turnovers per game, tied for second-best in the nation. Michigan State, on the other hand, averages 12 turnovers per game (T-221), making this a key matchup within the matchup.
Prediction
Michigan State is the better team on paper and in the standings, but Northwestern brings legitimate scoring punch. This game will come down to which team can impose its strength — whether Northwestern can survive on the glass, or Michigan State can protect the basketball.
Expect another gritty, physical Big Ten battle and don’t anticipate a high-scoring affair.
Michigan State - 68
Northwestern - 62