Michigan State vs Rutgers Prediction 1/27/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Michigan State vs Rutgers prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 27th at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview

The Michigan State Spartans are 18-2 (8-1) this year after they defeated Maryland by a score of 91-48 in their last game. Michigan State led 46-23 at halftime and they dominated the second half for the blowout win. The Spartans shot 61% from the field, 47% on three pointers, and 74% on free throws in the game. Jeremy Fears Jr led MSU with 17 points and 17 assists, while Carson Cooper added 14 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Michigan State defeated Oregon by a score of 68-52 and Washington by a score of 80-63. The Spartans have scored 79.1 points per game with 41.3 rebounds and 18.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 62.8 points against per game this season. Jeremy Fears Jr is averaging 13.4 points and 8.9 assists per game, while Jaxon Kohler is averaging 13.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game for the Spartans. Michigan State is shooting 47.9% from the field, 72.8% on free throws, and 35.8% on three pointers this year. 

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 9-11 (2-7) this season after they lost to Indiana by a score of 82-59 in their last game. Rutgers trailed 47-32 at halftime and they only scored 27 points in the second half in the loss. The Scarlet Knights shot 36% from the field, 26% on three pointers, and 86% on free throws in the game. Tariq Francis led Rutgers with 28 points and three assists, while Jamichael Davis added eight points and two assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Rutgers lost to Iowa by a score of 68-62 and Wisconsin by a score of 96-87. The Scarlet Knights have scored 69.7 points per game with 35.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.5 points against per game this season. Tariq Francis is averaging 15.9 points and 2.3 assists per game, while Dylan Grant is averaging 11.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is shooting 40.7% from the field, 72.9% on free throws, and 31.9% on three pointers this season. 

Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win

• Rutgers has won eight of its last nine home games when playing with a rest advantage.

Why the Michigan State Spartans will win

• Michigan State has won each of its last 18 January night games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
• Rutgers has lost each of its last seven games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
• Rutgers has lost the first half in each of its last six games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Rutgers’ last nine games against the Big Ten Conference at Jersey Mike’s Arena have produced a total of 141+ points.
• Four of Michigan State’s last five games have produced a total of 139+ points.

Michigan State vs Rutgers Prediction 

Michigan State rolls into this matchup as one of the hottest teams in the country and they have allowed 63 points or fewer in four straight games. The Spartans are shooting 48% from the field and they are great at rebounding. Rutgers has lost three straight and they have scored 62 points or fewer in three of their last five. I don’t think the Scarlet Knights will generate much offense in this game and with MSU playing elite defense, I like the under here.

David Racey's Pick: Under 136.5