No. 15 Michigan State vs. UCLA predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for February 17

No. 15 Michigan State hosts UCLA in a high-stakes Big Ten showdown at the Breslin Center tonight, with both teams looking to improve their position among the leaders in the Big 10. Maybe more importantly, though, each is looking to regain their footing as we head down the stretch in the regular season. The Spartans (20-5, 10-4) are looking to bounce back after an embarrassing loss to Wisconsin, having lost three of their last four games. Conversely, UCLA (17-8, 9-5) enters this contest trying to rebound from a 30-point blowout loss at Michigan. While the Spartans are looking to stay off the NCAA Tournament Bubble, the Bruins are living on the NCAA tournament Bubble. The Bruins won in January at Purdue, but their resume could use the boost another road win at a Top 20 opponent would offer.

Michigan State is rightfully favored. They are dominant at home – 12-2 this season – but more importantly, the Spartans excel in one area in which the Bruins really struggle. UCLA is ranked 282nd in the nation in rebounding, grabbing a mere 32.7 per game while Michigan State ranks ninth in the country averaging 41.2 per game. The Spartans have been elite defensively overall this season, holding opponents to 36% shooting, but they will need to stifle a UCLA offense that features elite 3-point shooting from players including Tyler Bilodeau. A key storyline for Michigan State is getting back on track offensively, though, after a miserable showing at Wisconsin. That means better play is a must from point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. The Sophomore is the team’s leading scorer (15.1pts/gm) and also their top playmaker (9.2 assists/gm).

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Michigan State has a record of 6-4 in Q1 games and is 4-1 in Q2. UCLA is 2-6 in Q1 and 4-2 in Quad 2 games. The Spartans are ranked No. 13 in KenPom and No. 15 in the NET. UCLA is ranked No. 42 in KenPom and 40th in the NET.

This matchup, airing on Peacock at 8:30 p.m. ET, promises to be an entertaining battle of desperation between two storied…

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Publish date : 2026-02-17 15:20:00

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