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The Michigan Wolverines seek their first regular-season sweep of the Michigan State Spartans in nearly a decade when the two teams meet this afternoon.

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The Wolverines have locked up the Big Ten regular-season crown, but both teams are seeking bragging rights and an impressive win for their resume. 

I explain why this might be closer than expected in my Michigan State vs. Michigan predictions and college basketball picks below.

Michigan State vs Michigan prediction

Michigan State vs Michigan best bet: Michigan State +9.5 (-116)

When the Michigan Wolverines won by 12 at Michigan State, the Spartans made just four of 23 shots from beyond the arc, but the Spartans are a Top 30 3-point team on the road, shooting 37.8% from deep vs. 32.7% at home.

The Spartans are playing well at the moment. They’ve won five straight, improving their defensive rebounding while taking care of the basketball. They’re also 8-5 ATS in their last 13 on the road.

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The Wolverines are just 1-3 ATS in their last four, the same mark in their last four games when favored by 9.5 or more.    

Michigan State vs Michigan same-game parlay

That improved shooting from deep will also help drive the total up before halftime. There were 68 points scored in the first matchup before the intermission, and both teams have enjoyed high-scoring opening halves this season.

The first half Over has hit in nine of Michigan State’s last 14 games, and is 12-6 in Michigan’s last 18 home games.

Michigan State vs Michigan SGPOur beyond the arc SGP: Spartans shine!

Leading the scoring charge will be the two players who combined for 56 points in the first showdown. Jeremy Fears Jr. dropped 31 points and is coming off consecutive 21-point showings for Michigan State. 

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He’ll be matched by Yaxel Lendeborg, whose 26 points for Michigan against the Spartans were a season-high. He’s dropped 16 in two consecutive games and will do so again in his final collegiate home game. 

Michigan State vs Michigan SGP

Jeremy Fears Jr. Over 18.5 points

Yaxel Lendeborg Over 15.5 points

Michigan State vs Michigan odds

Spread: Michigan State +9.5 | Michigan -9.5

Moneyline: Michigan State +375 | Michigan -588

Over/Under: Over 151.5 | Under 151.5

Michigan State vs Michigan betting trend to know

Michigan State has cashed the Over in eight of its last 10 games for +5.80 units and a 53% ROI. Find more college basketball betting trends for Michigan State vs. Michigan.

How to watch Michigan State vs Michigan

Location

Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI

Date

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Tip-off

4:30 p.m. ET

TV

CBS

Michigan State vs Michigan key injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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