AP SPORTS PREVIEW Michigan State Looks to Extend Win Streak Against Rutgers PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Interstat) — The surging Michigan State Spartans, riding a six-game winning streak, will face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten men’s basketball matchup on Tuesday night at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Michigan State (18-2, 8-1 Big Ten) enters as one of the nation’s hottest teams, having won its last six contests by an average margin of 23.2 points. The Spartans are coming off a dominant 91-48 victory over Maryland on Saturday, a game in which point guard Jeremy Fears dished out 17 assists. Fears, a sophomore, has been the catalyst for the Spartans’ high-powered offense. Over his last five games, he is averaging 17.6 points and 9.2 assists, showcasing elite playmaking ability. His backcourt command will be central against Rutgers’ pressure defense. Rutgers (9-11, 2-7) seeks to halt a three-game skid and pull a major upset on its home floor. The Scarlet Knights’ struggles are reflected in their conference record, but they have shown resilience at home, including an overtime win over Northwestern earlier this month. The Scarlet Knights will lean heavily on sophomore guard Tariq Francis, who has been a bright spot in a difficult season. Francis is averaging 20.0 points per game and is coming off a 28-point performance in a loss to Indiana. His scoring outbursts give Rutgers a puncher’s chance against any opponent. The matchup pits Michigan State’s efficient, nationally-ranked offense against a Rutgers defense known for its physicality and ability to force turnovers. The Spartans have not lost since a two-point road defeat at Nebraska on Jan. 2. For Rutgers, this game begins a challenging stretch of three contests in six days. Michigan State, meanwhile, continues a pivotal conference road swing before returning home to face rival Michigan on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.