Michigan State Clinches Big Ten Tournament Triple-Bye

Spartans hold off Rutgers to secure higher seed in conference tournament

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Michigan State basketball defeated Rutgers 91-87 on Thursday, March 5th, to lock up a triple-bye in next week's Big Ten Tournament. The Spartans overcame an early deficit, led by 21 points each from Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr. The win keeps Michigan State's hopes of a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament alive as they head into their regular season finale against rival Michigan.

Why it matters

Securing the triple-bye in the Big Ten Tournament gives Michigan State an extra day of rest and a higher seed, improving their chances of making a deep run in the conference tournament and earning a favorable NCAA Tournament seed.

The details

After trailing by 4 points early, Michigan State rallied to take control of the game against Rutgers. Fears and Carr led the way with 21 points each, while the Spartans dominated in the paint, outscoring Rutgers 18-14 and outrebounding them 17-10 in the first half. Michigan State's outside shooting struggled, going just 1-for-5 from 3-point range in the first half, but they were able to overcome that with their strong interior play.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • Michigan State will play their regular season finale against Michigan on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A key player for Michigan State, scoring 21 points and adding 8 assists in the win over Rutgers.

Coen Carr

Also scored 21 points to lead the Spartans, while adding 4 rebounds.

Tariq Francis

Led Rutgers with 10 first-half points, including 2 3-pointers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

A win in their finale against Michigan on Sunday would clinch the 2-seed and a 6:30 p.m. tipoff for Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday, March 13.

The takeaway

Michigan State's victory over Rutgers secures them a higher seed and extra rest in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, keeping their hopes of a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament alive as they prepare for their regular season finale against rival Michigan.