The Michigan State Spartans (12-6, 4-3 Big 10) will try to break down one of the country’s top scoring defenses when they play host to the No. 23 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (13-5, 5-2 Big 10) on Thursday. Rutgers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 68-64 in overtime at Jersey Mike’s Arena on Sunday.
With 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, Cam Spencer was a top performer. The Scarlet Knights remain second in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan State lost a close one on Monday at Jack Breslin Student Events Center, falling to the Purdue Boilermakers 64-63. Tyson Walker had 30 points in the losing effort to lead the team. The Spartans remain fourth in the Big Ten Conference.
The teams are meeting for the only time this season. Rutgers got the win in the only game between the teams last season 84-63 at Jersey Mike’s Arena in February 2022. Ron Harper Jr. and Clifford Omoruyi led the Scarlet Knights with 17 points apiece, while Paul Mulcahy was a key contributor with 15 points and 12 assists.
Gabe Brown had 20 points in the losing effort. The Scarlet Knights have been led this season by Spencer and Omoruyi, who are averaging 13.9 and 13.2 points per game, respectively. Omoruyi also has grabbed 10.1 rebounds per game, while Spencer has dished 3.7 assists per game.
Walker (14.8 ppg) and Joey Hauser (13.4) have powered the Spartans’ offense. Hauser also has posted 7.8 rebounds per game. A.J. Hoggard has recorded 6.3 assists per game. The Scarlet Knights are holding opponents to 56.9 points per game, ranking as one of the top scoring defenses in the country (4th).In the last 10 games, Rutgers is 7-3 with an average margin of +10.0 (69.2-59.2).
Michigan State has also gone 7-3 over the last 10, scoring 68.5 points per game on average while holding opponents to 61.3 (+7.2 margin). The Spartans are averaging 69.7 ppg for the full season while allowing 65.4.
SCARLET KNIGHTS HOT/COLD
(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Paul Mulcahy: 18.4 | 12.8 | +5.6
Antwone Woolfolk: 0.4 | 5.4 | -5.0
Points per game:
Clifford Omoruyi: 8.6 | 13.2 | -4.6
SPARTANS HOT/COLD
(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Jaden Akins: 13.0 | 10.0 | +3.0
Pierre Brooks: 3.2 | 8.4 | -5.2
Points per game:
Mady Sissoko: 3.6 | 5.8 | -2.2
Assists per game:
Tyson Walker: 1.2 | 2.7 | -1.5
SportsTips’ College Basketball Pick:
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
