Michigan State vs. Ohio State prediction, pick, odds, spread: No. 15 Spartans meet Buckeyes in Big Ten clash
CBS Sports
by
Kyle Boone
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Michigan State and Ohio State clash on Sunday in a highly anticipated Big Ten showdown with significant implications for both teams' conference standings and NCAA Tournament hopes. The game, set to air live on CBS from the Breslin Center in East Lansing, features two teams coming off strong wins—Michigan State over UCLA and Ohio State over Wisconsin—but also carries the weight of recent inconsistencies. Michigan State enters the matchup with a formidable home record (13-2) and a balanced roster that includes star guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who leads the nation in assists per game and is averaging a double-double. Meanwhile, Ohio State is searching for consistency after alternating wins and losses over its last nine games but boasts an improving defense and key players like forward Justice Sueing.
The stakes are high as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the Big Ten standings. Michigan State sits 3.5 games behind conference leader Michigan, making every game crucial in its pursuit of a potential conference title. The Spartans will need to maintain their strong defensive performance, particularly against Ohio State's dynamic guard Bruce Thornton, who has been a scoring threat for the Buckeyes. For Ohio State, an win could jumpstart a two-game winning streak, which has eluded them since mid-January.
The game also serves as a pivotal moment for Michigan State heading into its penultimate home contest of the season. With a focus on maintaining defensive intensity and controlling the tempo, the Spartans are favored to secure a victory. Sports analysts predict Michigan State (-9) will cover the spread, driven by their home-court advantage and Jeremy Fears Jr.'s standout play. The outcome of this clash could significantly impact the Big Ten standings and each team's trajectory in the conference race.
For fans of college basketball, this game offers a glimpse into the competitive nature of the Big Ten conference and the high-stakes battle for seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan State's ability to maintain its home dominance while Ohio State seeks to break its inconsistency
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/21/2026