Michigan State Spartans Take on Wisconsin Badgers in Key Big Ten Matchup

Spartans look to bounce back on the road after big win over Illinois

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Michigan State Spartans basketball team is set to take on the Wisconsin Badgers in a crucial Big Ten conference matchup on Friday, February 13th at 8 PM ET. The Spartans are coming off a big win over the 7th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini but have had five days off to prepare for this tough road game against the Badgers, who sit just one game behind MSU in the Big Ten standings.

Why it matters

This game carries major implications for the Big Ten title race, as both teams are jockeying for position in the conference standings. The Spartans have struggled on the road this season, going 4-2 in true road games, and will need to overcome slow starts that have plagued them in previous away games against inferior opponents.

The details

Michigan State will be shorthanded for this matchup, as combo guard Divine Ugochukwu has been ruled out for the season after suffering a foot injury. The Spartans will need to find a way to overcome Wisconsin's ability to stretch the defense and pull out another close road win, similar to their comeback victory over Rutgers in overtime on January 27th.

  • The game is scheduled for Friday, February 13th at 8 PM ET.
  • Michigan State is coming off a big win over Illinois last Saturday, but haven't played since and have had five days to prepare for this matchup.

The players

Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State Spartans are a NCAA Division I basketball team that competes in the Big Ten Conference.

Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers are a NCAA Division I basketball team that also competes in the Big Ten Conference.

Divine Ugochukwu

A combo guard for the Michigan State Spartans who has been ruled out for the season after suffering a foot injury.

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What they’re saying

“Slow starts have cost the Spartans in both subpar road performances and against a Wisconsin team that is far superior to either Minnesota or Rutgers, MSU won't have that luxury.”

— Andrew Birkle, Author (freep.com)

“The battle testing of the past two weeks allows the Spartans a fresh perspective to prepare for another close game. The Badgers' ability to stretch the defense will challenge MSU, but Fears takes over the game late and gets the rest of his supporting cast involved enough to pull off another tense road win.”

— Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press (freep.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game will be a true test of Michigan State's ability to win on the road against a tough Big Ten opponent. The Spartans will need to overcome their slow starts and find a way to contain Wisconsin's perimeter shooting in order to come away with a crucial conference victory.