Michigan State Battles Indiana in Big Ten Showdown

No. 13 Spartans look to capitalize on momentum after big win over Purdue

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

No. 13 Michigan State basketball takes on Indiana in a Big Ten matchup at Assembly Hall in Bloomington. The Spartans are coming off a big road win over Purdue and look to keep their momentum going, while the Hoosiers are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives after losing three straight. The game tips off at 3:45 p.m. ET and will be televised nationally on CBS.

Why it matters

This game has major Big Ten and NCAA Tournament implications. Michigan State is in strong position for a top-4 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, while Indiana is desperate for a win to boost its NCAA Tournament hopes. The Spartans can also potentially move back into the top 10 nationally with a victory.

The details

Michigan State is a slight 1.5-point favorite on the road despite Indiana's recent struggles. The Spartans are looking to capitalize on the momentum from their big win at Purdue, while the Hoosiers will be eager to bounce back at home after losing three straight. Both teams have plenty to play for in this crucial Big Ten matchup.

  • The game tips off at 3:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 1.

The players

Michigan State Spartans

The No. 13 ranked Michigan State Spartans are 23-5 overall and 13-4 in Big Ten play this season.

Indiana Hoosiers

The Indiana Hoosiers are 17-11 overall and 8-9 in the Big Ten, fighting to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

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What’s next

The winner of this game will be in strong position for a top-4 seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, while the loser will have work to do to solidify its NCAA Tournament resume.

The takeaway

This Big Ten showdown between two teams heading in different directions has major implications for both their conference and NCAA Tournament aspirations. Michigan State will look to build on its momentum, while Indiana desperately needs a win to keep its March Madness hopes alive.