Michigan State vs Nebraska Prediction 1/2/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Michigan State vs Nebraska Prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 2^nd. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

Nebraska Cornhuskers have a 13-0 record this season and are sitting in the 1st place of the Big Ten Conference. They have a 9-0 home record and are coming off an 86-55 home win against New Hampshire. Their previous three games were a 78-55 home win against North Dakota, an 83-80 away win against Illinois and a 90-60 home win against Wisconsin.

Offensively, Nebraska averages 83.5 points per game, while allowing 66.2 points per game defensively. The Cornhuskers shoot with 48% from the field and grab 38.3 rebounds per game, while dishing out 18.9 assists per game. They average 2.7 blocks per game and 6.8 steals per game defensively.

Rienk Mast leads Nebraska in scoring, with an average of 16.5 points per game, while shooting with 51.0% from the field and 82.2% from the free throw line. Rienk Mast is also the team’s leading rebounder with 6.8 per game, while Jamarques Lawrence adds a team-high 3.9 assists per game.

Michigan State Spartans Preview

Michigan State Spartans have a 12-1 record this season and are sitting in a tie for 3rd place of the Big Ten Conference. They have a 1-0 away record and are coming off a 114-97 home win against Cornell. Their previous three games were a 79-70 home win against Oakland, a 92-69 home win against Toledo and a 76-72 away win against Penn State.

Offensively, Michigan State averages 80.8 points per game, while allowing 65.9 points per game defensively. The Spartans shoot with 47% from the field and grab 42.8 rebounds per game, while dishing out 20.2 assists per game. They average 5.0 blocks per game and 6 steals per game defensively.

Jaxon Kohler leads Michigan State in scoring, with an average of 13.7 points per game, while shooting with 53.2% from the field and 85.2% from the free throw line. Jaxon Kohler is also the team’s leading rebounder with 10.3 per game, while Jeremy Fears Jr. adds a team-high 9.3 assists per game.

Michigan State Spartans @ Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Trends: January 2, 2026

Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers will win

• Nebraska has won each of its last 17 games.
• Michigan State has lost each of its last three games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
• Michigan State has lost the first half in each of its last seven road games against Conference opponents.

Why the Michigan State Spartans will win

• Michigan State has won each of its last 10 games when playing with a rest advantage.
• Nebraska has lost each of its last four games against teams with an AP Ranking of 9.
• Michigan State has won the first half in 12 of its last 13 games against Nebraska.

Total Points Facts

• Eleven of Nebraska’s last 12 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 150+ points.
• Eight of Michigan State’s last nine night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.

Michigan State vs Nebraska Prediction

In this Michigan State vs Nebraska Prediction, Nebraska is coming as -1.5 home favorites. Both teams have been excellent this season, with Nebraska being undefeated in its 13 games played and Michigan State having lost only once. Both teams have been struggling against the spread lately, as they are 0-2 and 0-4-1 ATS in their last two and five games respectively, so I see no value on either side. They both have been playing excellent defense so far, allowing just 132.1 points per game combined, so I expect a low-scoring grind today. Take the under 145.5 points.