| MATCHUP | Penn State Nittany Lions | Michigan Wolverines |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 10-12 | 20-1 |
| Spread | +25.5 -110 | -25.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +3000 | -10000 |
| Total | Over 163.5 (-112) | Under 163.5 (-108) |
| Where | Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI | |
| When | Thursday, February 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:30 PM EST | |
| TV | FS1 | |
The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan Wolverines meet Thursday in college basketball action from Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. Here’s a Penn State vs Michigan prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Penn State vs Michigan pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview
Penn State got off to a very nice start this year, taking wins in eight of their first nine outings. Ever since conference play began on December 9 however, the Lions have only been able to win two games versus NC Central and Minnesota. Penn State has lost to Illinois, Michigan, Purdue, UCLA, Maryland, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Northwestern in their last nine outings total, giving the team a 10-12 record so far.
In their latest matchup on Sunday versus Minnesota the Nittany Lions went into the second half with a nice lead 41-31. Penn State was outscored 44-36 during a wild run from there but managed to hang on for the tight win at home 77-75 in the end. Freddie Dilione posted 25 points with five rebounds to lead the way and Josh Reed added 18 points with four boards.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
Over on the Michigan side, they got off to a great run this year as the season began. The Wolverines took victories in each of their first 14 games before their first (and only, so far) loss to Wisconsin on January 10. Since then Michigan has beaten Washington, Oregon, Indiana, Ohio State, Nebraska and Michigan State. That gives the Wolverines an excellent 20-1 overall run this year.
In the Michigan State matchup last Friday the Wolverines were sitting in the locker room with a 42-26 advantage. Michigan cruised the rest of the way on a 45-41 deficit in the second half and rolled to the victory on the road 83-71. Yaxel Lendeborg put up 26 points with 12 rebounds in the winning effort and Elliot Cadeau added 17 points with six assists and three rebounds.
Penn State Nittany Lions @ Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends: February 5, 2026
Why the Michigan Wolverines will win
- Michigan has won each of its last 17 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Penn State has lost each of its last eight night games against Conference opponents.
- Penn State has lost the first half in each of its last seven night games against Conference opponents.
Why the Penn State Nittany Lions will win
- Michigan has lost eight of its last nine Thursday games against the Big Ten Conference.
Penn State vs Michigan Prediction
I’ll lean toward Michigan but I’m probably not touching this one. The line’s going to be pretty thick just about everywhere. In any case, the Wolverines are coming off a nice win over Michigan State, hitting 44.1 percent from the field and 88.5 percent (23-of-26) from the line. Michigan did get outmuscled in the paint 32-26 and had 12 turnovers, but also gave up just 36.7 percent shooting on defense. The Wolverines have scored 74 or more points in each installment of this current six-game winning streak, and 74 or more points in 20 of 21 games so far this year.
As for Penn State, they were able to eke out a much-needed victory against Minnesota in their last outing. The Lions got out-rebounded 28-22 and gave up 52.9 percent shooting from the field, though. Penn State is going to have a tough time slowing down the Wolverines in any capacity here.