Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Michigan State Spartans Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

No. 8 Michigan State Rides 11-Game Win Streak Into MSG vs. Rutgers

Michigan State remains the only unbeaten team in Big Ten play, riding an 11-game winning streak into its Saturday afternoon showdown against Rutgers at Madison Square Garden (MSG).

The Spartans (16-2, 7-0 Big Ten) are coming off an 80-78 victory over then-No. 19 Illinois, a game in which Tre Holloman scored 17 points to help Michigan State survive a late push. Coach Tom Izzo praised Illinois as the best team in the conference, but the Spartans’ dominance so far tells a different story.

Michigan State’s Balanced Attack Leading the Way

Michigan State is playing with confidence, and its depth has been a major factor in their success. In the Illinois game, bench players Frankie Fidler and Coen Carr combined for 22 points, highlighting the Spartans’ versatility.

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Key Players for Michigan State

• Tyson Walker (18.3 PPG, 4.7 APG) – The Spartans’ floor leader and top scorer.
• Tre Holloman (8.1 PPG, 2.9 APG) – Scored a season-high 17 points vs. Illinois, stepping up in clutch moments.
• Jaden Akins (9.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG) – A key defensive presence and secondary scorer.
• Mady Sissoko (7.1 RPG, 1.3 BPG) – Anchors the interior defense.

Michigan State has had five days to prepare for Rutgers, giving them plenty of time to adjust their game plan.

Playing at MSG Instead of Rutgers’ Home Court

This will be the second time in three seasons that Michigan State faces Rutgers at Madison Square Garden instead of on their campus. The last time this happened, on Feb. 4, 2023, the Scarlet Knights erased a nine-point deficit to win 61-55.

Izzo is excited about playing at “The Mecca of Basketball,” but he also acknowledges that it will be a huge moment for Rutgers’ young stars:

“It’s going to be Fourth of July and Christmas for them, but it’s going to be kind of exciting for us. I just hope that we continue to play with the energy that we’ve had and kind of build on the consistency.”

Rutgers’ Freshmen Look to Shine at MSG

Rutgers (10-9, 3-5 Big Ten) is struggling, having lost four of its last six games, but their young core has enormous potential. Freshman phenom Ace Bailey scored a career-high 30 points in Rutgers’ 80-72 loss to Penn State on Monday, but his emotions got the best of him late, as he picked up two technical fouls in the final five minutes.

Key Players for Rutgers

• Ace Bailey (19.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG) – A projected top NBA Draft pick, dynamic scorer.
• Dylan Harper (19.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG) – Another freshman star, ranked among the top recruits in the country.
• Tyson Acuff (10.1 PPG) – The veteran presence in the backcourt, though he has struggled lately.
• Dylan Grant (7.2 PPG) – Freshman forward, improving every game.

Coach Steve Pikiell has embraced a youth movement, recently starting four freshmen alongside Acuff.

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Pikiell on Playing at MSG Instead of a True Home Game

While some coaches might be reluctant to give up a home-court advantage in conference play, Pikiell sees it as a recruiting tool:

“In recruiting, it’s one of those things that I use. We may not have the most NIL, but this is something we can do. The families are excited about it, too — the families know more about Madison Square Garden sometimes than the kids.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Tyson Walker vs. Dylan Harper

• Walker is Michigan State’s best scorer, but Harper is Rutgers’ top perimeter playmaker.
• Walker’s experience and defensive ability will be key in slowing down Harper.

2. Ace Bailey vs. Jaden Akins & Michigan State’s Defense

• Bailey is explosive offensively, but Michigan State is one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the Big Ten.
• Expect double-teams and defensive schemes to limit Bailey’s effectiveness.

3. Michigan State’s Depth vs. Rutgers’ Freshmen

• Michigan State has a deep bench that can provide scoring and defensive energy.
• Rutgers is relying heavily on young players, which could be a problem in a big-game atmosphere like MSG.

Can Michigan State Keep Rolling?

Michigan State hasn’t lost a game since Dec. 2, and Rutgers will need a near-perfect performance to pull off an upset.

The Spartans have the experience, defense, and depth to extend their winning streak to 12 games, but Rutgers’ young stars will be eager to prove themselves on a national stage.

Expect a high-energy, physical battle in front of a lively MSG crowd, with Michigan State favored to remain unbeaten in Big Ten play.