A massive rivalry game is looming later in the week, but Michigan State must first avoid an upset hurdle on Tuesday night at Rutgers.
The Spartans travel out east for a tricky road game at Rutgers on Tuesday evening. This falls into the stereotypical “trap game” category, with Michigan State set to host rival Michigan in a top 10 matchup on Friday.
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Michigan State comes into this matchup looking to stay hot, with the Spartans currently riding a six-game winning streak. Michigan State picked up a 43-point victory in their last game against Maryland, and now sit at 18-2 overall and 8-1 in Big Ten play.
Rutgers is stumbling through the season at the moment as one of only a few Big Ten teams below .500 this year. The Scarlet Knights have lost four of their last five games, and currently hold an overall record of 9-11 and 2-7 in Big Ten games.
Prepare for this game by checking out the television info and my game prediction below:
Broadcast Info
Jan 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) goes to the basket against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Date / Tip Time: Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. ET
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TV: Fox Sports 1
Game Prediction
Jan 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15) looks to the basket against Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard PJ Hayes IV (23) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Prediction: Michigan State 76, Rutgers 58
I don’t anticipate the same kind of beatdown performance from the Spartans as we got on Saturday against the Terps, but this is a same caliber opponent so this one should be another blowout. There’s the travel factor in play and also potential for Michigan State to be looking ahead, but it would take a true clunker of an effort to come out short at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Michigan State has too much depth and will again win with a smothering defensive effort in this one.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: TV info, prediction for MSU-Rutgers basketball on Tuesday
