| MATCHUP | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Michigan State Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-17 | 24-5 |
| Where | Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI | |
| When | Thursday, March 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FS1 | |
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 12-17 (5-13) this season after they defeated Maryland by a score of 69-65 in their last game. Rutgers led 39-20 at halftime, but they were outscored 45-30 in the second half in the win. The Scarlet Knights shot 40% from the field, 24% on three pointers, and 83% on free throws in the game. Tariq Francis led Rutgers with 19 points and four rebounds, while Darren Buchanan Jr added 14 points and seven rebounds in the win.Prior to that game, Rutgers lost to Washington by a score of 79-72 and Minnesota by a score of 80-61. The Scarlet Knights have scored 70.2 points per game with 33.3 rebounds and 11.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.4 points against per game this season. Tariq Francis is averaging 16.6 points and 2.8 assists per game, while Dylan Grant is averaging 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is shooting 41.5% from the field, 73.6% on free throws, and 31.7% on three pointers this season.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
The Michigan State Spartans are 24-5 (14-4) this year after they defeated Indiana by a score of 77-64 in their last game. Michigan State led 45-37 at halftime and they held Indiana to just 27 points in the second half in the win. The Spartans shot 49% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Jaxon Kohler led MSU with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Jeremy Fears Jr added 21 points and nine assists in the win.Prior to that game, Michigan State defeated Purdue by a score of 76-74 and Ohio State by a score of 66-60. The Spartans have scored 78.3 points per game with 40.4 rebounds and 18.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 66.3 points against per game this season. Jeremy Fears Jr is averaging 15.1 points and 9.1 assists per game, while Jaxon Kohler is averaging 12.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for the Spartans. Michigan State is shooting 46.9% from the field, 75.7% on free throws, and 35.6% on three pointers this year.
Why the Michigan State Spartans will win
- Michigan State has won each of its last 10 night games at Jack Breslin Student Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Rutgers has lost each of its last nine games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
- Rutgers has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win
- Michigan State has lost three of its last four night games as a top-10 AP-ranked team.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of Rutgers’ last 11 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 145+ points.
- Each of Michigan State’s last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Jack Breslin Student Events Center have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.