Expert prediction
No. 13 Michigan State vs No. 8 Purdue Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 26)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Spartans have gone 3-3 in their last six conference games.
- The Boilermakers have won five of their last six league contests.
- This marks the 135th all-time matchup between the two Big Ten squads.
One ranked matchup will commence in the Big Ten when the No. 13 Michigan State Spartans visit the No. 8 Purdue Boilermakers on Feb. 26. The Boilermakers stand out as a solid favorite, but the Spartans have shown their ability to punch above their weight and stun teams ranked higher than them.
How to Watch
- When: Thursday, Feb. 26, 8 pm ET
- Where: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana
- How to Watch: Peacock
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | -110 | +7.5 | O142 |
| Purdue | -110 | -7.5 | U142 |
Game Preview
The No. 13 Spartans (22-5, 12-4 Big Ten) prepare for a tough matchup on the road against one of the best performing squads in the conference. They went 3-3 in their last six games, needing this win to boost their momentum for the rest of the season. They rank No. 3 in the country in rebound margin (+12.7) as Jaxon Kohler is second in the B1G (No. 28 nationally) with 9.3 rpg. The team is also No. 20 nationally in scoring defense (66.1 ppg) and ranks No. 6 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. Jeremy Fears leads the team with 15 points per game while dishing out 9.2 assists per game, first in the nation. Coen Carr will look to show off his athletic prowess, being third on the team in points, rebounds and assists with 11.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.3 apg.
The No. 8 Boilermakers (22-5, 12-4 Big Ten) have won five of their last six games, boasting solid form going into the ranked matchup. They rank in the top 15 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (1st), offensive efficiency (2nd), assists per game (3rd), turnovers per game (10th), and field goal percentage (15th). Braden Smith will look to be active with his scoring and playmaking, producing 14.9 points and 8.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, Trey Kaufman-Renn seeks to be assertive on the glass, having averages of 13.3 points and nine rebounds per contest.
Michigan State vs Purdue Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 134 meetings in their history, and the result is 76-58 for the Boilermakers. The last matchup was in February 2025 when Michigan State won 75-66 at home.
Michigan State vs Purdue Predictions
Michigan State may be on the road but the team has the quality to cause trouble for Purdue. The Spartans hangs their hat on the defensive side of the ball, an area that the Boilermakers will have difficulty handling throughout the course of the contest. If they can’t get strong performances from their primary starters, expect a ranked upset to take place on Thursday night. Our betting pick here is the Spartans to cover a 7.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Michigan State Spartans +7.5
NCAAB
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