Michigan State Spartans vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights NCAAB Betting Pick & Prediction for 1/27
This article was published on Jan 27, 2026. Today’s picks College Basketball picks

The Michigan State Spartans, ranked #7, will take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:30 PM ET. The game will be held at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, NJ, and is part of a Big Ten conference matchup. The Spartans are the favorites with a spread of -14.5, while Rutgers stands as the underdog with a spread of +14.5.
Michigan State comes into the game with an 18-2 record, showing strength both at home and away. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have a 9-11 record, performing better at home with a 9-4 record compared to a 0-7 record on the road. Fans can catch the game live on FS1. The over/under for the game is set at 136.5 points.
Michigan State Spartans vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Game Day Info
- Sport: College Basketball
- Teams: Michigan State Spartans vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Venue: Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway NJ
- Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:30 PM ET
- Betting Odds: Michigan State Spread: -14.5 (-120), Rutgers Spread: +14.5 (-106), Michigan State MoneyLine: -1667, Rutgers MoneyLine: +833, Over/Under: 136.5
Michigan State Spartans Team Preview
The Michigan State Spartans are ranked #7 in the AP poll and play in the Big Ten Conference. They have a strong record of 18-2 this season. Their away record stands at 4-1, showing they can perform on the road.
In recent games, the Spartans secured three wins in a row. They defeated Maryland 91-48, Oregon 68-52, and Washington 80-63. Jeremy Fears Jr. and Carson Cooper have been key contributors in these games.
Offensively, the Spartans score an average of 79.1 points per game. They rank 13th in assists per game with 18.9. On defense, they grab 41.2 rebounds per game, placing them 29th in the nation.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have been struggling lately with their performance. They lost their last three games, including a recent home game against Indiana, where they were defeated 82-59. Despite the loss, Tariq Francis scored 28 points, but the team overall shot 36.2% from the field.
Throughout the season, the Scarlet Knights have averaged 69.7 points per game. Their shooting has been below par, with a field goal percentage of 40.7%. The team ranks low in several offensive categories, including assists per game at 10.7.
Defensively, Rutgers has not fared much better. They average 6.2 steals and 3.7 blocks per game. With a record of 9-11, they have been stronger at home, winning 9 out of 13 games.
BTB Betting Pick
For the spread pick, Michigan State is favored by 14.5 points. Their strong offensive stats, including 79.1 points per game and a high field goal percentage, make them likely to cover the spread against Rutgers. Rutgers struggles offensively, scoring only 69.7 points per game. The projected score is Michigan State 85, Rutgers 68, which supports taking Michigan State -14.5.
Considering the over/under, the line is set at 136.5. Michigan State’s high-scoring ability and Rutgers’ defensive weaknesses suggest a higher-scoring game. With a projected total of 153 points, taking the over 136.5 is recommended. Michigan State’s ability to score and Rutgers’ lower defensive stats contribute to this prediction.