Game Overview

No. 16 Michigan State Spartans (12-2, 3-0 Big Ten) take on the Washington Huskies (10-5, 1-3 Big Ten) at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The game tips off at 6:00 PM ET and will be broadcast live on BTN. Michigan State looks to extend its seven-game winning streak, while Washington aims to bounce back from a tough loss to Illinois in its last outing.

Betting Odds

Team Analysis

Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans have been dominant this season, boasting a 12-2 record and an undefeated start in conference play. Michigan State’s strength lies in its balanced offense and stingy defense. They average 81.1 points per game while allowing just 66.7 points per contest. The Spartans are also exceptional on the glass, pulling down 41.4 rebounds per game, which ranks among the top in the NCAA.

Jaden Akins leads the team with 13.6 points per game, shooting an efficient 88.2% from the free-throw line. Sophomore point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. has been the playmaker, averaging 6.0 assists per game. The Spartans also showcase depth, with multiple players capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.

Washington Huskies

The Huskies have been inconsistent, especially in conference play, where they sit at 1-3. They average 74.4 points per game while allowing 69.4. Gonzalo Osobor has been their standout performer, averaging 14.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. However, the supporting cast has struggled to provide consistent contributions, particularly against tougher competition.

One area of concern for Washington is its inability to compete on the boards, as they average just 35.1 rebounds per game compared to Michigan State’s 41.4. This disparity could be a key factor in the matchup.

Recent Performance

Michigan State Last 5

• 1/3/25: Defeated Ohio State 69-62
• 12/30/24: Defeated Western Michigan 80-62
• 12/21/24: Defeated Florida Atlantic 86-69
• 12/17/24: Defeated Oakland 77-58
• 12/7/24: Defeated Nebraska 89-52

Washington Last 5

• 1/5/25: Lost to Illinois 81-77
• 1/2/25: Defeated Maryland 75-69
• 12/29/24: Defeated NJIT 90-53
• 12/23/24: Lost to Seattle 79-70
• 12/18/24: Defeated Washington State 89-73

Key Matchups

Jaden Akins vs. Gonzalo Osobor: Both teams will rely heavily on their star players. Akins’ ability to score and create opportunities will be pivotal, while Osobor must dominate inside to keep the Huskies competitive.

Rebounding Battle: Michigan State’s superior rebounding, led by Jaxon Kohler, will likely dictate the pace of the game and provide second-chance opportunities.

Betting Trends

• Michigan State is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games.
• The total has gone under in 4 of Michigan State’s last 6 games.
• Washington is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
• The total has gone over in 3 of Washington’s last 5 games.

Prediction