Michigan State vs Washington Prediction 1/17/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Michigan State vs Washington prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 17th at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, Washington. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview

The Michigan State Spartans are 15-2 (5-1) this season after they defeated Indiana by a score of 81-60 in their last game. Michigan State led 39-32 at halftime and they won the second half 42-28 in the blowout win. The Spartans shot 51% from the field, 31% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Jeremy Fears Jr led MSU with 23 points and 10 assists, while Jaxon Kohler added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Michigan State defeated Northwestern by a score of 76-66 and USC by a score of 80-51. The Spartans have scored 79.0 points per game with 42.4 rebounds and 19.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 64.2 points against per game this season. Jaxon Kohler is averaging 14.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, while Jeremy Fears Jr added 12.8 points and 8.8 assists per game for the Spartans. Michigan State is shooting 46.7% from the field, 73.4% on free throws, and 35.5% on three pointers this season. 

Washington Huskies Betting Preview

The Washington Huskies are 10-7 (2-4) this year after they lost to Michigan by a score of 82-72 in their last game. Washington trailed 39-30 at halftime, but they did score 42 points in the second half in the loss. The Huskies shot 38% from the field, 27% on three pointers, and 82% on free throws in the game. JJ Mandaquit led Washington with 15 points and four rebounds, while Quimari Peterson added 13 points and two rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Washington defeated Ohio State by a score of 81-74, but lost to Purdue by a score of 81-73 before that. The Huskies have scored 81.1 points per game with 38.8 rebounds and 13.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.6 points against per game this season. Hannes Steinbach is averaging 17.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, while Zoom Diallo is averaging 14.9 points and 3.5 assists per game for the Huskies. Washington is shooting 45.0% from the field, 78.1% on free throws, and 31.5% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Washington Huskies will win

• Washington has won four of its last five home games.

Why the Michigan State Spartans will win

• Michigan State has won each of its last 14 games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
• Washington has lost 17 of its last 18 day games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Michigan State has won the first half in six of its last seven January games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Washington’s last eight games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 153+ points.
• Each of Michigan State’s last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 145+ points.

Michigan State vs Washington Prediction 

Michigan State rolls into this matchup looking for their fourth win in a row and they have allowed 66 points or fewer in four straight games. The Spartans are shooting 47% from the field, but their defense has led the way. Washington has lost three of their last four games and they have allowed 81+ in all three of those losses. The Huskies are shooting 45% from the field, but they are going to struggle against this MSU defense. Take the Spartans to cover on the road.

David Racey's Pick: Michigan State -3.5