Spartans look to extend home dominance against Hoosiers
Michigan State basketball enters Tuesday’s contest against Indiana as a 6.5-point favorite, seeking to maintain its exceptional home-court performance. The No. 12 Spartans (14-2, 4-1 Big Ten) host the Hoosiers at the Breslin Center, where they’ve compiled a 9-1 record this season.[1][2]
Indiana (12-4, 3-2 Big Ten) arrives in East Lansing fresh off an 83-77 loss to Nebraska, a setback that snapped a four-game winning streak. The Hoosiers struggled defensively in that home defeat but will look to bounce back against a Michigan State squad that ranks third nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency.[2][4]
Key Matchups and Storylines
Jaxon Kohler leads the Spartans with 14.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, becoming the first player under head coach Tom Izzo to record five consecutive double-doubles. His all-around game will be critical against Indiana basketball’s balanced approach. For the Hoosiers, Lamar Wilkerson has emerged as a dominant force, scoring 32 points in the loss to Nebraska and averaging 20.3 points on the season.[2][4]
Jeremy Fears Jr., the Spartans’ dynamic guard, ranks second nationally in assists with 8.8 per game, while fellow captain Carson Cooper has elevated his game, averaging 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while playing a career-high 25.3 minutes per contest.[2]
Historical Context
Indiana leads the all-time series 75-59 and has won the last two meetings, including a 71-67 victory at the Breslin Center last year. However, Michigan State has claimed three of the last four games at home, and ten of the last 15 matchups have been decided by 10 points or fewer, underscoring the rivalry’s competitive nature.[2]
Game Details
- When: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Jack Breslin Students Event Center, East Lansing, Michigan
- How to Watch: FS1 and streaming on Peacock and FuboTV
- Odds: Michigan State -6.5; over/under 142.5 points
The Spartans’ challenging early-season schedule has positioned them well, with six wins over Quad 1 and 2 teams—one of only 14 schools nationally to achieve that benchmark through 16 games. Indiana vs Michigan State represents another significant test for both programs as conference play intensifies.[2][4]
Scouting the Teams
Michigan State shoots 46.5% from the field, 6.8 percentage points better than Indiana’s 39.7% defensive efficiency. Conversely, Indiana’s offense operates at 48.3%, significantly outpacing Michigan State’s opponents, who average 38.4%. The Hoosiers rank among nation leaders in free throw percentage (11th) and three-point defense (40th).[2][4]
In their last 10 games, the Spartans average 77.8 points while limiting opponents to 65.9, demonstrating their defensive prowess. Indiana has posted 82.5 points over its last 10 contests while holding opponents to 70.7.[4]
