Michigan State Edges Purdue in Close Contest
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Mackey Arena
Michigan State Spartans 76, Purdue Boilermakers 74, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Michigan State Spartans vs Purdue Boilermakers?
Michigan State Spartans beat Purdue Boilermakers 76-74 at Mackey Arena on February 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Michigan State Spartans vs Purdue Boilermakers?
Purdue Boilermakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -278 (about 74% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup at Mackey Arena, the Michigan State Spartans defeated the Purdue Boilermakers with a final score of 76-74. This game was notable as it marked the second meeting between these two teams this season, with Michigan State now holding a 2-0 advantage in their head-to-head record.
Both teams entered this game with strong records, with Purdue at 22-6 and Michigan State at 23-5. The Boilermakers had been 6-4 in their last ten games, currently on a one-game winning streak, while averaging 77.7 points scored and allowing 70.9 points. In contrast, the Spartans were 7-3 in their last ten games, riding a two-game winning streak with an average of 77.5 points scored and 69.4 points allowed.
At home, Purdue had a record of 2-2 in their last four games, while they performed better away with a 4-2 record. Michigan State, on the other hand, had a solid away record of 3-2, bolstered by their recent form. The previous meeting between these two teams occurred on February 19, 2025, when Michigan State won decisively, 75-66.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were likely looking to field their best lineups in this critical matchup. The betting odds from DraftKings indicated Purdue as the favorite, with a spread of -5.5 points and a moneyline of -278. Michigan State was listed at +225 on the moneyline, which reflected their underdog status despite their strong record.
The game unfolded under typical basketball conditions, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Key moments included several scoring plays in the second half, where Michigan State maintained their lead through critical baskets. Notably, Jordan Scott contributed significantly with free throws and jump shots, while Jeremy Fears Jr. made impactful layups that extended their lead.
Purdue's Braden Smith attempted to rally his team with a couple of crucial three-pointers and driving layups, but it ultimately wasn't enough to secure a victory. The final moments saw Michigan State's Jaxon Kohler and Jack Benter make important shots that sealed the win for the Spartans.
Viewers should have watched for the intense back-and-forth nature of the game, particularly in the second half, where both teams exchanged leads multiple times. The final score reflects the competitive spirit and the stakes involved in this matchup, as both teams are vying for favorable positioning as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PUR -5.5 | 143.5 o -108 / u -112 | Michigan State Spartans +225 · Purdue Boilermakers -278 |
Leaders
- PointsBraden Smith12Purdue Boilermakers
- AssistsBraden Smith10Purdue Boilermakers
- ReboundsTrey Kaufman-Renn6Purdue Boilermakers
- PointsCarson Cooper15Michigan State Spartans
- AssistsJeremy Fears Jr.6Michigan State Spartans
- ReboundsCarson Cooper6Michigan State Spartans
Recent form
Purdue Boilermakers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W177.7 scored · 70.9 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W93-64vs Indiana HoosiersFeb 21
- L80-91vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 17
- W78-57at Iowa HawkeyesFeb 14
- W80-77at Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 11
- W68-64vs Oregon DucksFeb 7
- W93-63at Maryland TerrapinsFeb 1
- L67-72at Indiana HoosiersJan 28
- L82-88vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 24
- L67-69at UCLA BruinsJan 21
- W69-64at USC TrojansJan 17
Michigan State Spartans
Last 10: 7-3Streak W277.5 scored · 69.4 allowed per game3-2 away
- W66-60vs Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 22
- W82-59vs UCLA BruinsFeb 18
- L71-92at Wisconsin BadgersFeb 14
- W85-82vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 8
- L73-76at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 5
- L71-83vs Michigan WolverinesJan 31
- W88-79at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 27
- W91-48vs Maryland TerrapinsJan 24
- W68-52at Oregon DucksJan 21
- W80-63at Washington HuskiesJan 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Michigan State Spartans | Purdue Boilermakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-55 | 28-57 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 6-19 | 12-25 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 48 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 6-9 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 19 |
| Assists | 15 | 23 |
| Steals | 6 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 32 |
| Fouls | 13 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 47 | 45 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half35-39Jordan Scott makes free throw 2 of 3
- 1st Half36-39Jordan Scott makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half38-39Carson Cooper makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half38-42Braden Smith makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half40-42Carson Cooper makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half42-42Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half42-44Trey Kaufman-Renn makes 10-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half45-44Jordan Scott makes 25-foot three point jumper (Coen Carr assists)
- 2nd Half47-44Jeremy Fears Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-46Fletcher Loyer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-46Coen Carr makes 4-foot dunk (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half49-49Fletcher Loyer makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trey Kaufman-Renn assists)
- 2nd Half49-51Daniel Jacobsen makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Trey Kaufman-Renn assists)
- 2nd Half50-51Kur Teng makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-51Kur Teng makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-51Kur Teng makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaxon Kohler assists)
- 2nd Half54-53Daniel Jacobsen makes layup (Fletcher Loyer assists)
- 2nd Half55-53Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-56Jack Benter makes 26-foot three point jumper (Braden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half56-56Carson Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-56Carson Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-56Kur Teng makes 25-foot three point jumper (Carson Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half62-56Coen Carr makes 3-foot dunk (Kur Teng assists)
- 2nd Half62-59Omer Mayer makes 29-foot three point jumper (Braden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half64-59Carson Cooper makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half64-61Trey Kaufman-Renn makes 4-foot dunk (Braden Smith assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half66-62Trey Kaufman-Renn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-63Braden Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64Braden Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-64Cam Ward makes 4-foot dunk (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half69-64Jordan Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-64Jordan Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-64Jeremy Fears Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-67Jack Benter makes 27-foot three point jumper (Trey Kaufman-Renn assists)
- 2nd Half74-67Jordan Scott makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half74-70Braden Smith makes 24-foot three point jumper (Trey Kaufman-Renn assists)
- 2nd Half74-72Braden Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-72Jaxon Kohler makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half76-74Jack Benter makes 6-foot jumper (Fletcher Loyer assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Purdue Boilermakers, below favours Michigan State Spartans.
Venue
- Mackey ArenaWest Lafayette, IN
- Attendance14876
- OfficialsLarry Scirotto, Bert Smith, Doug Sirmons
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond