Pick details
| MATCHUP | Michigan State Spartans | Wisconsin Badgers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 20-5 | 18-7 |
| Where | Kohl Center, Madison, WI | |
| When | Friday, February 13, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FOX | |
The Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers will meet on Friday night in a Big Ten Conference matchup at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
The Michigan State Spartans enter Friday’s contest with a 20–4 win‑loss record, including a perfect 10–3 record in conference play and a 4-2 mark on the road. The Spartans have compiled wins over Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Detroit Mercy and the Iowa Hawkeyes, while dropping recent games to Minnesota and the Michigan Wolverines. In Michigan State’s 74–58 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels earlier this season, Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. posted 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting from the field illustrating his ability to play at a high level.
The Michigan State Spartans average 79.1 points on 47.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.8 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Spartans allowing opponents 65.6 points (16th in nation) on 39.3 percent shooting from the field (9th in country) per game.
Sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. leads the Spartans backcourt, averaging 15.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Senior forward Jaxon Kohler adds 12.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Junior forward Coen Carr contributes 11.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers enter Friday evening’s matchup with a 17–7 record, including a 9–4 record in conference play and a rather impressive 12-2 mark at home. The Badgers have amassed wins over Campbell, Northern Illinois, Ball State, SIU‑Edwardsville, Northwestern and the Providence Friars, while dropping games to BYU and the TCU Horned Frogs. Earlier this season, in the Wisconsin Badgers 85–73 win over the Northwestern Wildcats, Wisconsin guard John Blackwell scored 26 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals showcasing his ability to lead the Badgers backcourt.
The Wisconsin Badgers average 83.3 points (34th in the country) on 44.9 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from the three‑point line per game. Shifting our attention to the defensive side of the basketball, the Badgers are allowing opponents 75.8 points per contest.
Senior guard Nick Boyd leads the Wisconsin Badgers with 20.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1 steal per game. Junior guard John Blackwell adds 18.7 points, 5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals a contest. Sophomore forward Austin Rapp provides 9.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Sophomore forward Nolan Winter anchors the paint with 13.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
Why the Michigan State Spartans will win
• Ability to win on the road. The Michigan State Spartans have amassed a 4-2 record on the road this season.
• Balanced scoring. The Spartans have four players averaging over 10 points per game.
• Elite Defense. The Spartans allowing opponents 65.6 points (16th in nation) on 39.3 percent shooting from the field (9th in country) per game.
Why the Wisconsin Badgers will win
• Home court edge. Wisconsin has compiled a 12–2 record at home this season.
• Offensive firepower. The Badgers average 83.3 points per game which ranks 34th in the nation.
• Quality guard play. Senior guard Nick Boyd leads the Wisconsin Badgers with 20.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1 steal per game.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers Prediction
This matchup features Michigan State’s elite defense and balanced scoring against a Wisconsin Badgers team that is exceptional on offense. It should also be noted that the Badgers have played at a high level at home (12-2). Wisconsin’s home court edge and offensive rhythm give the Badgers a clear path to victory, but Michigan State’s defensive ceiling, fast‑break production, and recent form make the Spartans the more complete team entering this matchup. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Michigan State Spartans to win this game.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Michigan State TBA
