Michigan and Michigan State meet for the second time this season on Sunday, with the Wolverines favored to win on their home court. The game at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor tips off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS, pitting two top-10 teams with strong records. Predictions from analysts point to a close contest, but Michigan's depth and frontcourt advantage are expected to prevail.
The Michigan Wolverines, with a 28-2 overall record and 18-1 in Big Ten play, have clinched the conference regular-season title and are considered a lock for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They defeated the Michigan State Spartans 83-71 in their first matchup earlier this season at East Lansing. Since that loss, Michigan State has gone 6-2, including wins over Illinois and at Purdue, bringing their record to 25-5 overall and 15-4 in the Big Ten.
The rematch takes place on Michigan's senior day at Crisler Center. Analysts from The Detroit News offered predictions highlighting Michigan's strengths. Connor Earegood expects a tight game, picking Michigan 75-72, and notes Michigan State's need for sharp 3-point shooting from Kur Teng and Jordan Scott, with Jeremy Fears Jr. in top form. James Hawkins foresees Michigan 84-72, citing the Spartans' lack of size and perimeter threat to match Michigan's frontcourt, led by Aday Mara. John Niyo picks Michigan 80-74, pointing to rebounding edges from the first game where Michigan State scored just six second-chance points, mostly late, despite an injury to Michigan's LJ Cason. Bob Wojnowski predicts Michigan 77-71, praising the Wolverines' lead in Big Ten scoring, shooting, and blocks, with their frontline of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara, while MSU's Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper will compete inside.
From Spartans Wire, the prediction is Michigan 78-75, emphasizing the Wolverines' home-court advantage and depth, though Michigan State enters with momentum from five straight wins and little pressure in the rivalry. Michigan has lost only once since the first meeting, to Duke.
