- Matchup: Michigan State Spartans vs Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Venue: Williams Arena, Minneapolis, MN
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This Wednesday, the Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-12) are set to challenge the Michigan State Spartans (19-3) at Williams Arena.
In their most recent matchup, the Michigan State Spartans fell to Michigan, concluding the game with a score of 83-71. The Spartans committed 22 personal fouls, slightly higher than Michigan’s 21. They managed to hit 8 of 21 attempts from beyond the arc. On the other hand, Michigan excelled at the free-throw line, making 23 of 26 shots for an impressive 88.5% success rate. Michigan secured a total of 30 rebounds (8 offensive, 22 defensive) and recorded 14 assists along with 2 steals. Defensively, the Spartans allowed a shooting percentage of 44.1% from the field, as Michigan landed 26 of 59 shots. Michigan State logged 14 assists, forced 12 turnovers, and achieved 7 steals, while also claiming 32 total rebounds, including 13 offensive. From the charity stripe, the Spartans converted 23 of their 27 attempts, boasting an 85.2% success rate. They concluded with a field goal percentage of 36.7% (22 of 60) and only hit 4 of 23 from three-point range.
Jeremy Fears Jr. was a standout performer, scoring 31 points on 9 of 20 shooting, alongside 5 rebounds and 7 assists in 35 minutes on the court.
This season, Michigan State holds a record of 19-3. Averaging 79.1 points per game (ranking 122nd nationally), they shoot 47.4% from the field. The Spartans connect on 35.0% of their three-point attempts (164 of 469) and achieve 74.5% from the free-throw line. As a team, they average 41.2 rebounds per game and have dished out 410 assists this season, ranking 15th in Division 1 in assists. They average 12.3 turnovers per game and commit 15.7 personal fouls.
Defensively, the Spartans force 11.1 turnovers per game and draw an average of 19.0 fouls. They limit opponents to 30.4% shooting from three-point range and rank 12th nationally in points allowed per game (64.4). The defense yields an opponent shooting percentage of 39.1% (486 of 1,243) while allowing an average of 28.0 rebounds per game. They are currently 109th in the nation for assists allowed, having surrendered 278 assists this season.
In their last game, the Minnesota Golden Gophers suffered a narrow defeat, losing 77-75 to Penn State. On the glass, they permitted Penn State to secure 27 rebounds (4 offensive). Minnesota shot 38.9% from three, making 7 of 18 attempts, and achieved an impressive 8 of 9 from the charity stripe (88.9%). The Golden Gophers allowed Penn State to convert 31 of 62 field goal attempts, resulting in a shooting percentage of 50.0%. In comparison, Minnesota made 27 of 51 shots for a field goal percentage of 52.9%, and hit 7 of 27 three-point attempts (25.9%). They converted 14 free throw attempts for an 82.4% success rate. Penn State committed 18 fouls, allowing Minnesota 17 free throw attempts. The Gophers recorded 23 defensive rebounds and 5 offensive rebounds for a total of 28 in that game.
Cade Tyson was pivotal for Minnesota, scoring 17 points in 28 minutes, adding 2 assists, with a field goal shooting rate of 37.5% (3 of 8) and collecting 5 rebounds.
As of now, Minnesota’s record stands at 10-12 this season. The Golden Gophers commit 16.1 fouls per game and convert 69.4% from the free throw line. They average 17.8 assists per game (ranking 22nd in college basketball) and commit 11.0 turnovers per contest. This season, they have tallied 1,579 points (averaging 71.8 per game) with an average of 33.5 rebounds per game. On the offensive end, Minnesota shoots 45.5% from the field, placing them 163rd in the nation.
Defensively, Minnesota allows 34.2% from three (176 of 514) while their opponents shoot 72.7% from the free-throw stripe. The Gophers concede an average of 13.8 assists and 32.9 rebounds per game, ranking 218th and 84th in those areas, respectively. They sit 61st nationally in points allowed per game (68.8) and force 11.4 turnovers per game while allowing teams to shoot 42.9% from the field (ranking 132nd in Division 1).
Who do you think will win the NCAA matchup against the spread today?
Prediction: Favor Minnesota
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