Rutgers @ Michigan St. preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 5, 2017 ) Michigan St 62, Rutgers 52

No. 4 Michigan State looks to bounce back from an ugly loss at Ohio State when it hosts Rutgers in a Big Ten Conference battle on Wednesday. The Spartans had their 14-game winning streak snapped by the Buckeyes, while the Scarlet Knights are coming off a home win over Wisconsin that halted their three-game skid.

The teams previously met in December during the opening week of conference play, and Rutgers held Michigan State to its season-low point total in a 62-52 loss. Offensively, Corey Sanders and Deshawn Freeman are averaging 13.8 and 11.8 points, respectively, to lead the Scarlet Knights, who will need a lot more scoring against a Spartans squad that will be looking to make a statement after suffering only its second setback of the season. Michigan State is one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country, ranking No. 1 in field-goal percentage (52.5) and assists (21.8 per game) and 16th in scoring offense (86.5 points). Miles Bridges (16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists) can do it all offensively, but coach Tom Izzo's squad is as good as it is because of its balance, with five double-figure scorers and a number of other offensive options.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

ABOUT RUTGERS (11-6, 1-3 Big Ten): A game in early January might not be a make-or-break contest for the campaign in most eyes, but coach Steve Pikiell saw the Scarlet Knights' victory over Wisconsin on Friday as a season-saver. Not only did Rutgers snap its three-game losing streak with difficult games against Michigan State and Ohio State on the horizon, but Sanders broke out down the stretch, making a couple of big baskets to help pull out the four-point victory. Sanders was praised by Pikiell for his play at both ends of the floor, and the coach knows he needs to have his leading scorer focused and playing well if the Knights are going to record more conference wins.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (15-2, 3-1): Izzo has been leaning on forward Nick Ward in recent weeks, as he averaged 19 points on 38-of-42 shooting in the five contests prior to Sunday, but the sophomore took just one shot and finished with only three points in the loss to Ohio State. The output matched his season low, which Ward produced in the first meeting with Rutgers while playing only 11 minutes - most in the first half - and being visibly frustrated. Ward will be motivated to make up for both of those performances on Wednesday, and Izzo likely will try to get him going early in order to get him back on track and set the tone.

TIP-INS

1. Rutgers is third nationally in offensive rebounding (14.8) and sixth in overall rebounding (42.6), led by Freeman's 7.9 per game.

2. MIchigan State G Joshua Langford has scored in double figures in six of his last seven games, averaging 15.3 points over that span while shooting 51.9 percent - including 16-for-32 from 3-point range.

3. The Spartans are the top team in the country in field-goal percentage defense (34.2 percent), scoring margin (plus-24.1), blocked shots per game (eight) and rebound margin (plus-12.8).

PREDICTION: Michigan State 77, Rutgers 64