Michigan State Tops Rutgers in Overtime Thriller
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Jersey Mike’s Arena
Michigan State Spartans 88, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 79, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Michigan State Spartans vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights?
Michigan State Spartans beat Rutgers Scarlet Knights 88-79 at Jersey Mike’s Arena on January 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Michigan State Spartans vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights?
Michigan State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1450 (about 94% implied). The favorite won.
In a gripping overtime encounter, the Michigan State Spartans defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 88-79 at Jersey Mike’s Arena. This matchup was particularly intriguing given the stark contrast in the teams' recent performances and standings. Michigan State entered the game with a formidable record of 19-2, while Rutgers struggled with a 9-12 record, having lost their last three games leading up to this contest.
The Spartans showcased their dominance throughout the game, extending their winning streak to six games. In their last ten outings, they posted a record of 9-1, averaging 81.7 points per game while allowing only 63.4. Their recent form has been impressive, particularly in their last five games, where they averaged 79.2 points and allowed just 57.8. In contrast, Rutgers has had a challenging stretch, with a 4-6 record in their last ten games and a scoring average of 69.5, while conceding 76.7 points per game. Their last five games saw them average just 68.0 points, with their defense allowing 80.4 points.
At home, Rutgers had a record of 4-2, but their recent form at home has been less than stellar, as they have lost their last three games. Michigan State, meanwhile, has been strong on the road, with a 2-1 record away from home this season. The previous meeting between these two teams occurred on January 25, 2025, where Michigan State also emerged victorious with a score of 81-74.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is always a factor that can influence team performance. The betting market reflected Michigan State's superiority, with DraftKings listing them as 14.5-point favorites, indicating strong confidence in their ability to win by a significant margin. The total for the game was set at 138.5, with both the over and under priced at -110.
The game conditions were not detailed in the block, but the atmosphere in Jersey Mike’s Arena was likely charged, given the stakes for Rutgers as they sought to break their losing streak against a top-ranked opponent. Viewers were treated to a thrilling contest, with Michigan State pulling ahead in overtime after a closely contested regulation period.
The decisive moments in overtime included critical free throws by Jeremy Fears Jr., who contributed significantly to the Spartans' scoring in the extra period. Harun Zrno also made a crucial tip-in layup that helped solidify Michigan State's lead. This victory not only underscored Michigan State's strength in the league but also highlighted the challenges Rutgers faces as they look to turn their season around.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MSU -14.5 | 138.5 o -110 / u -110 | Michigan State Spartans -1450 · Rutgers Scarlet Knights +850 |
Leaders
- PointsTariq Francis23Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- AssistsJamichael Davis5Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- ReboundsHarun Zrno4Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- PointsJeremy Fears Jr.29Michigan State Spartans
- AssistsJeremy Fears Jr.9Michigan State Spartans
- ReboundsCarson Cooper14Michigan State Spartans
Recent form
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last 10: 4-6Streak L369.5 scored · 76.7 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L59-82vs Indiana HoosiersJan 23
- L62-68at Iowa HawkeyesJan 21
- L87-96at Wisconsin BadgersJan 17
- W77-75vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 11
- L55-81at Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 9
- W88-85vs Oregon DucksJan 6
- L73-80vs Ohio State BuckeyesJan 3
- W65-50vs Delaware State HornetsDec 30
- W70-69vs Pennsylvania QuakersDec 21
- L59-81at Seton Hall PiratesDec 14
Michigan State Spartans
Last 10: 9-1Streak W681.7 scored · 63.4 allowed per game2-1 away
- W91-48vs Maryland TerrapinsJan 24
- W68-52at Oregon DucksJan 21
- W80-63at Washington HuskiesJan 17
- W81-60vs Indiana HoosiersJan 14
- W76-66vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 8
- W80-51vs USC TrojansJan 6
- L56-58at Nebraska CornhuskersJan 3
- W114-97vs Cornell Big RedDec 30
- W79-70vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 20
- W92-69vs Toledo RocketsDec 16
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 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-57 | 25-62 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 10-27 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 37 |
| Free throws | 24-26 | 19-23 |
| Free throw % | 92 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 22 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 16 |
| Assists | 18 | 11 |
| Steals | 1 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 22 |
| Fouls | 19 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 16 | 80 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-60Jamichael Davis makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half53-60Carson Cooper makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half55-60Carson Cooper makes layup (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Harun Zrno makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamichael Davis assists)
- 2nd Half56-63Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-63Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-65Dylan Grant makes layup
- 2nd Half60-65Coen Carr makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half60-66Jamichael Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-67Jamichael Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-67Coen Carr makes layup (Divine Ugochukwu assists)
- 2nd Half64-67Jeremy Fears Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-67Jeremy Fears Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-67Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-68Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-69Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-70Jamichael Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-71Jamichael Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Jamichael Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-72Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-73Jamichael Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-73Divine Ugochukwu makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- OT74-73Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT75-73Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT77-73Jaxon Kohler makes layup (Divine Ugochukwu assists)
- OT78-73Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT78-74Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT78-75Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT80-75Jeremy Fears Jr. makes driving layup
- OT81-75Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT82-75Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT82-77Harun Zrno makes 0-foot tip in layup
- OT83-77Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT84-77Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT85-77Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT86-77Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT86-79Jamichael Davis makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- OT87-79Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT88-79Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights, below favours Michigan State Spartans.
Venue
- Jersey Mike’s ArenaPiscataway, NJ
- Attendance8000
- OfficialsD.J. Carstensen, Earl Walton, Kelly Pfeifer
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