Michigan Edges Penn State in Close Contest
Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Bryce Jordan Center
Michigan Wolverines 74, Penn State Nittany Lions 72, 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 Wolverines vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Michigan Wolverines beat Penn State Nittany Lions 74-72 at Bryce Jordan Center on January 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Michigan Wolverines vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
Michigan Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -8000 (about 99% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Bryce Jordan Center, the Michigan Wolverines narrowly defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions with a final score of 74-72. This game was particularly noteworthy as Michigan maintained its perfect season record, improving to 15-0, while Penn State fell to 9-7. The Wolverines' impressive away record of 14-0 underscores their dominance this season, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
The recent form of both teams highlighted a stark contrast heading into the game. Penn State, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, had been struggling, losing their last match against the Illinois Fighting Illini 65-73. Their scoring average over this stretch was 76.7 points per game, but they allowed an average of 78.8 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, Penn State managed only one win, averaging 69.0 points while conceding 81.8.
In contrast, Michigan was riding a ten-game winning streak, having scored an impressive average of 98.4 points per game during that span while allowing just 63.9. Their last game was a commanding victory over the USC Trojans, where they won 96-66. The Wolverines demonstrated consistent offensive prowess, particularly in their last five games, where they averaged 100.0 points and allowed 66.2.
At home, Penn State had a record of 5-4, while Michigan had been undefeated on the road with a 1-0 record. This fixture was significant not only for its implications in the standings but also for the psychological edge it provided to the Wolverines, who had previously beaten Penn State 76-72 in their last meeting on January 27, 2025.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have impacted the dynamics of the game. The absence of a pivotal player can often shift the balance in close contests, and both teams would have been keen to field their strongest lineups.
The betting market reflected Michigan's strong form, with DraftKings setting the spread at 24.5 in favor of the Wolverines, indicating a significant expectation of their dominance. The total points line was set at 169.5, suggesting a high-scoring affair was anticipated. Michigan's money line was listed at -8000, while Penn State's was at 2200, further emphasizing the disparity in perceived strength between the two teams.
Conditions during the game were typical for indoor basketball, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. The atmosphere in the Bryce Jordan Center was charged, as fans rallied behind the Nittany Lions, hoping for an upset against the undefeated Wolverines.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a tightly contested battle. Key moments included Josh Reed's pivotal plays in the second half, where he made an 8-foot jumper and later contributed free throws that kept Michigan ahead. Eli Rice also made crucial free throws for Penn State, bringing them to within one point late in the game. However, Aday Mara's free throw sealed the victory for Michigan, ensuring they maintained their unbeaten record.
This matchup not only showcased the skill and determination of both teams but also highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball, where any game can come down to the wire.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MICH -24.5 | 169.5 o -110 / u -110 | Michigan Wolverines -8000 · Penn State Nittany Lions +2200 |
Leaders
- PointsIvan Juric20Penn State Nittany Lions
- AssistsFreddie Dilione V4Penn State Nittany Lions
- ReboundsJosh Reed10Penn State Nittany Lions
- PointsL.J. Cason14Michigan Wolverines
- AssistsYaxel Lendeborg4Michigan Wolverines
- ReboundsYaxel Lendeborg7Michigan Wolverines
Recent form
Penn State Nittany Lions
Last 10: 5-5Streak L176.7 scored · 78.8 allowed per game5-4 at home
- L65-73vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 4
- W90-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 29
- L46-80vs Pittsburgh PanthersDec 21
- L72-76vs Michigan State SpartansDec 13
- L72-113at Indiana HoosiersDec 10
- W87-76vs Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 2
- W90-59vs Sacred Heart PioneersNov 29
- W96-87vs Boston University TerriersNov 26
- L65-77vs Providence FriarsNov 22
- W84-80vs Harvard CrimsonNov 19
Michigan Wolverines
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1098.4 scored · 63.9 allowed per game1-0 away
- W96-66vs USC TrojansJan 3
- W112-71vs McNeese CowboysDec 30
- W102-50vs La Salle ExplorersDec 21
- W101-83at Maryland TerrapinsDec 14
- W89-61vs Villanova WildcatsDec 9
- W101-60vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsDec 6
- W101-61vs Gonzaga BulldogsNov 27
- W102-72vs Auburn TigersNov 26
- W94-54vs San Diego State AztecsNov 25
- W86-61vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersNov 19
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 Wolverines | Penn State Nittany Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-57 | 23-66 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 35 |
| Three-pointers | 8-27 | 8-30 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 27 |
| Free throws | 14-19 | 18-23 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 28 |
| Assists | 15 | 10 |
| Steals | 3 | 7 |
| Blocks | 7 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 1 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 26 |
| Fouls | 20 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 80 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half46-36Roddy Gayle Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-36Roddy Gayle Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-38Saša Ciani makes layup (Freddie Dilione V assists)
- 2nd Half47-39Saša Ciani makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-40Freddie Dilione V makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-40Nimari Burnett makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-40Yaxel Lendeborg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-40Yaxel Lendeborg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-40Yaxel Lendeborg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-42Melih Tunca makes 21-foot jumper (Saša Ciani assists)
- 2nd Half53-44Freddie Dilione V makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-45Freddie Dilione V makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-46Freddie Dilione V makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-46Trey McKenney makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half55-48Eli Rice makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-48Roddy Gayle Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (L.J. Cason assists)
- 2nd Half61-48Trey McKenney makes 24-foot three point jumper (Roddy Gayle Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half63-48Trey McKenney makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half63-49Ivan Juric makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-50Ivan Juric makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-52Josh Reed makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half63-55Ivan Juric makes 24-foot three point jumper (Melih Tunca assists)
- 2nd Half63-56Ivan Juric makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-57Ivan Juric makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-60Freddie Dilione V makes 24-foot three point jumper (Melih Tunca assists)
- 2nd Half65-60Aday Mara makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Yaxel Lendeborg assists)
- 2nd Half66-60Yaxel Lendeborg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-60Yaxel Lendeborg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Freddie Dilione V makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half68-63Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-63Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-63Elliot Cadeau makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-65Josh Reed makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half73-65Roddy Gayle Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half73-66Josh Reed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-67Josh Reed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-70Melih Tunca makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ivan Juric assists)
- 2nd Half73-71Eli Rice makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-72Eli Rice makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72Aday Mara makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Penn State Nittany Lions, below favours Michigan Wolverines.
Venue
- Bryce Jordan CenterUniversity Park, PA
- Attendance5491
- OfficialsVerne Harris, D.J. Carstensen, Andy O'Brien
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