The Michigan State Spartans, with a 10-3 conference record, are firmly on the top-16 seed line, while the Wisconsin, Madison Badgers, with a 9-4 conference record, are solidly in the tournament field. This matchup has real consequences for both teams' quad records, as it is classified as a Quad 1 game for both Wisconsin, Madison and Michigan State. The Spartans have a 7-3 record in Quad 1 games, while the Badgers have a 2-6 record in such games. With 74.5% of their points coming from 2-point range, Michigan State want to exploit Wisconsin, Madison's defense, which has allowed 48.2% shooting from 2-point range.
Michigan State Spartans Have a 45.6% 3-Point Shooting Percentage in Big Ten Games
The game is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
The Michigan State Spartans have been impressive this season, with a 20-4 overall record and a 10-3 record in the Big Ten. They boast an 11 NET ranking and a 7-3 record in Quad 1 games. Michigan State has been led by their high-powered offense, which averages 82.1 points per game, with 44.5% of their points coming from beyond the arc. The Spartans have a strong recent form, with a 3-2 record in their last 5 games, including a 85-78 win over the Purdue Boilermakers. With a 4-0 record in Quad 3 games and a 5-0 record in Quad 4 games, Michigan State has taken care of business against lower-tier opponents.
The Wisconsin, Madison Badgers have had a solid season, with a 17-7 overall record and a 9-4 record in the Big Ten. They have a 37 NET ranking and a 2-6 record in Quad 1 games. Wisconsin, Madison has been led by their stingy defense, which allows just 65.4 points per game, with opponents shooting 41.9% from the field. The Badgers have a 6-1 record in Quad 2 games and a 2-0 record in Quad 3 games, but have struggled in Quad 1 games. With a recent form of 3-2 in their last 5 games, including a 71-68 win over the Northwestern Wildcats, Wisconsin, Madison want to build momentum against the Spartans.
Key Matchups
The Michigan State Spartans' high-powered offense will face off against the Wisconsin, Madison Badgers' stingy defense in a crucial matchup. The Spartans have a significant edge in terms of pace, with an average of 73.4 possessions per game, compared to Wisconsin, Madison's 67.1 possessions per game. Michigan State also has a significant advantage in terms of 3-point shooting, with a 38.5% 3-point shooting percentage, compared to Wisconsin, Madison's 34.2% 3-point shooting percentage. However, the Badgers have a significant edge in terms of defensive efficiency, with a 91.4 defensive efficiency rating, compared to Michigan State's 96.3 defensive efficiency rating. With Michigan State averaging 14.5 turnovers per game and Wisconsin, Madison averaging 11.4 turnovers per game, the team that takes care of the ball will have a significant advantage.
CHD Scout Prediction
Michigan State
78
Wisconsin
74
For Michigan State, guard Joey Hauser has been on fire, averaging 18.5 points per game over his last 5 games, including a 25-point performance against the Purdue Boilermakers. Forward Malik Hall has also been impressive, averaging 15.1 points per game over his last 5 games, including a 20-point performance against the Indiana Hoosiers. For Wisconsin, Madison, guard Chucky Hepburn has been leading the team, averaging 14.2 points per game over his last 5 games, including a 22-point performance against the Northwestern Wildcats. Forward Steven Crowl has also been impressive, averaging 12.5 points per game over his last 5 games, including a 18-point performance against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Tournament Stakes
The CHD Scout prediction has Michigan State winning by 4.4 points, with a 35.1% win probability for Wisconsin, Madison. This prediction is based on the Spartans' high-powered offense and the Badgers' stingy defense. With Michigan State averaging 82.1 points per game and Wisconsin, Madison allowing just 65.4 points per game, this game has the potential to be a low-scoring affair. However, the Spartans' ability to score from beyond the arc, with 44.5% of their points coming from 3-point range, could be the difference-maker in this game.
This game has significant tournament implications for both teams. A win for Michigan State would solidify their position on the top-16 seed line, while a loss would drop them to 10-4 in the Big Ten. For Wisconsin, Madison, a win would be a significant boost to their tournament resume, with a 3-6 record in Quad 1 games. A loss would drop them to 9-5 in the Big Ten, but they would still be solidly in the tournament field. With the Badgers' 2-6 record in Quad 1 games, a win over Michigan State would be a significant statement.