Michigan State Edges Rutgers in High-Scoring Thriller
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Breslin Center
Michigan State Spartans 91, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 87, 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 Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Michigan State Spartans?
Michigan State Spartans beat Rutgers Scarlet Knights 91-87 at Breslin Center on March 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Michigan State Spartans?
Michigan State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -6500 (about 98% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Breslin Center, the Michigan State Spartans narrowly defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with a final score of 91-87. This matchup was significant not only for its competitive nature but also for the contrasting seasons of both teams, with Michigan State boasting a strong record of 25-5 compared to Rutgers' 12-18.
Michigan State entered the game with a solid recent form, having won seven of their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak leading into this fixture. They averaged 78.0 points scored while allowing 71.7 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games saw them average 74.4 points scored and 69.8 points allowed, demonstrating their offensive strength and relatively tight defense. The Spartans had a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, further emphasizing their dominance at the Breslin Center.
In contrast, Rutgers struggled throughout the season, reflected in their away record of 2-3 in the last five games and an overall record of 3-7 in their last ten. They averaged 70.2 points scored and allowed a concerning 77.9 points per game during this period. However, they managed to secure a win against Maryland in their most recent game, breaking a losing streak, which may have provided a boost in confidence heading into this matchup.
The two teams had previously met twice this season, with Michigan State winning both encounters. The first meeting on January 27, 2026, ended with a score of 88-79 in favor of the Spartans, while the earlier clash on January 25, 2025, concluded with Michigan State winning 81-74. These results highlighted the Spartans' consistent performance against Rutgers.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability for either team, which is often a crucial factor in college basketball matchups. However, the absence of key players can significantly impact team performance, especially in tightly contested games like this one.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Michigan State was heavily favored, with a spread of -20.5 and a moneyline of -6500, while Rutgers was listed at +2000. The total for the game was set at 141.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair, which indeed materialized as both teams combined for 178 points.
The game conditions were not explicitly detailed, but the Breslin Center is known for its energetic atmosphere, which likely played a role in Michigan State's performance. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth contest, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times, particularly in the second half.
As the game progressed, several key moments defined the outcome. With the score at 82-86 in favor of Michigan State, Kaden Powers of Rutgers made a layup to bring the score closer. Coen Carr then contributed with two free throws, extending Michigan State's lead to 88-82. Lino Mark responded with a layup for Rutgers, narrowing the gap to 84-88. In the final moments, Jeremy Fears Jr. sealed the victory for Michigan State with two crucial free throws, ensuring their win at 91-87.
Viewers were treated to a showcase of offensive talent and resilience from both teams, with Michigan State ultimately proving their mettle in a tightly contested game. The Spartans' ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute key plays down the stretch was instrumental in their victory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MSU -20.5 | 141.5 o -115 / u -105 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights +2000 · Michigan State Spartans -6500 |
Leaders
- PointsCoen Carr21Michigan State Spartans
- AssistsJeremy Fears Jr.8Michigan State Spartans
- ReboundsCam Ward9Michigan State Spartans
- PointsTariq Francis25Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- AssistsTariq Francis5Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- ReboundsEmmanuel Ogbole6Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent form
Michigan State Spartans
Last 10: 7-3Streak W478 scored · 71.7 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W77-64at Indiana HoosiersMar 1
- W76-74at Purdue BoilermakersFeb 27
- 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
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last 10: 3-7Streak W170.2 scored · 77.9 allowed per game2-3 away
- W69-65at Maryland TerrapinsMar 1
- L72-79vs Washington HuskiesFeb 24
- L61-80at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 21
- W85-72at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 18
- W68-57vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 15
- L68-80vs Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 7
- L66-98at UCLA BruinsFeb 4
- L75-78at USC TrojansFeb 1
- L79-88vs Michigan State SpartansJan 27
- L59-82vs Indiana HoosiersJan 23
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 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Michigan State Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-65 | 31-53 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 10-18 | 4-12 |
| Three-point % | 56 | 33 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 25-30 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 21 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 13 | 26 |
| Assists | 16 | 19 |
| Steals | 9 | 4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 24 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 46 |
| Fouls | 21 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 33 | 63 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-62Lino Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-65Jordan Scott makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cam Ward assists)
- 2nd Half52-65Darren Buchanan Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-67Jaxon Kohler makes layup
- 2nd Half52-69Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-69Tariq Francis makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-71Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-71Chris Nwuli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-74Coen Carr makes 25-foot three point jumper (Denham Wojcik assists)
- 2nd Half56-74Chris Nwuli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-74Chris Nwuli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-75Carson Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-75Emmanuel Ogbole makes layup
- 2nd Half61-75Emmanuel Ogbole makes layup
- 2nd Half63-75Emmanuel Ogbole makes layup
- 2nd Half63-77Jaxon Kohler makes layup (Kur Teng assists)
- 2nd Half63-79Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-79Emmanuel Ogbole makes layup (Kaden Powers assists)
- 2nd Half66-79Emmanuel Ogbole makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-80Carson Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-81Carson Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-81Tariq Francis makes 13-foot jumper (Kaden Powers assists)
- 2nd Half68-82Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-83Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-83Tariq Francis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half72-83Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half75-83Kaden Powers makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half75-84Trey Fort makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-85Trey Fort makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-85Kaden Powers makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half78-86Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-86Tariq Francis makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half82-86Kaden Powers makes layup
- 2nd Half82-87Coen Carr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-88Coen Carr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-88Lino Mark makes layup
- 2nd Half84-89Carson Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-89Darren Buchanan Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half87-90Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-91Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Michigan State Spartans, below favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Venue
- Breslin CenterEast Lansing, MI
- Attendance14797
- OfficialsBrian Dorsey, Paul Szelc, Owen Shortt
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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Michigan State Tops Rutgers in Overtime ThrillerJan 27, 2026