As Indiana prepares to face No. 12 Michigan State, the excitement for the upcoming matchup at Breslin Center is palpable. Scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, this contest features two teams with impressive records—Indiana at 12-4 (3-2 Big Ten) and Michigan State at 14-2 (4-1 Big Ten). This game not only has playoff implications but also showcases the rich history and rivalry between the programs.
Michigan State, under the leadership of head coach Tom Izzo, is coming off a clutch 76-66 victory over Northwestern and holds strong positioning in various national rankings, sitting at No. 12 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 14 in the NCAA Net Rankings. Izzo’s legacy continues to shine, as he boasts a milestone career record of 751 wins against 304 losses and remains renowned for leading the Spartans to an impressive 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Spartans are known for their resilience at home, with a strong record of 9-1 at Breslin Center this season and an all-time average of .866 wins at home since its opening in 1989. Despite a narrow loss earlier in the season to then-No. 4 Duke, Izzo’s squad has maintained its competitive edge, largely due to its high assist rate and formidable rebounding statistics.
Key players for Michigan State include Jaxon Kohler, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 14.3 points and an impressive 10.1 rebounds per game. Jeremy Fears Jr. has also been vital, averaging 12.1 points and topping the charts with 8.8 assists, ranking second in Division I. Collectively, the Spartans have four players who are scoring in double figures, showing a well-rounded offensive strategy.
The all-time series between Indiana and Michigan State favors the Hoosiers, with Indiana leading 74-59; however, the Spartans have the home-court advantage, winning three of the last four encounters at Breslin Center. The last battle saw Indiana narrowly triumph 71-67 in 2025, emphasizing the competitiveness of their meetings.
Both teams have strong defensive statistics, but Michigan State’s emphasis on adjusting defensive efficiency gives them an edge heading into this game. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring should prove critical as they prepare to face an Indiana squad eager to continue its recent success against the Spartans.
The anticipated match-up promises to be an exciting showdown between two storied programs, with both teams eager to assert themselves in the Big Ten. With Michigan State’s impressive streaks and Indiana’s historical rivalry advantages, fans can expect a thrilling clash at Breslin Center this Tuesday evening.