Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's men's basketball team is set to play its third Big Ten Conference road game against Northwestern University on Sunday, January 12. The game will be broadcast live on FOX at noon Eastern Time, with Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson providing commentary. Additionally, the Spartan Media Network will offer radio coverage statewide and online through MSUSpartans.com, featuring Will Tieman as the play-by-play announcer, Matt Steigenga as the color analyst, and Zach Surdenik as the studio host.

Michigan State's team currently holds a 13-2 overall record with a 4-0 standing in conference play. They are ranked No. 16 in the Associated Press poll and No. 14 in the USA Today Coaches poll. Their recent performance includes an impressive 88-54 victory over Washington, marking their eighth consecutive win.

The Spartans have shown depth this season with six players averaging at least 20 minutes per game and ten players logging at least ten minutes each match. Jaden Akins leads scoring for Michigan State with an average of 14.1 points per game. Other notable contributors include freshman guard Jase Richardson with averages of 9.5 points and sophomore forward Coen Carr who contributes 8.8 points per game.

Junior forward Jaxon Kohler stands out for his rebounding skills, leading the team with an average of 8.4 rebounds per game while also scoring 7.9 points on average.

Northwestern enters Sunday's matchup holding a record of 10-5 overall and a conference record of 1-3. The Wildcats have lost their last two games but maintain an undefeated home record this season.

In terms of historical encounters between these teams, Michigan State leads with a series record of 95 wins to Northwestern's 42 victories.

"Tom Izzo is [a] career [record] against Northwestern," reflecting his experience in facing the Wildcats.