Preview: Michigan State Visits Wisconsin in Key Big Ten Clash MADISON, Wis. (Interstat) — A high-stakes Big Ten men’s basketball matchup is set for Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, as the Michigan State Spartans visit the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Michigan State (20-4, 10-3 Big Ten) enters riding momentum from an 85-82 overtime victory over Illinois last Saturday. The Spartans’ success is fueled by star guard Jeremy Fears, who is in the midst of a historic individual run. Over his last seven games, Fears is averaging 24.1 points and 9.9 assists, including a 26-point, 15-assist masterpiece against the Illini. Wisconsin (17-7, 9-4) is equally hot, coming off a thrilling 92-90 overtime road win at Illinois on Tuesday. The Badgers are powered by guard Nick Boyd, who has scored 20 or more points in six of his last seven contests, averaging 23.0 points per game in that span. His backcourt duel with Fears will be the game’s central focus. The matchup carries significant weight in the conference standings. Michigan State sits near the top, while Wisconsin looks to close the gap and bolster its NCAA tournament resume with a signature home win. The Badgers have shown resilience, with their last three games all decided in overtime. Historically, games between these programs are physical, defensive battles. Wisconsin will aim to use its home-court advantage, where it is 11-2 this season, to disrupt Michigan State’s rhythm. The Spartans, however, have proven formidable on the road in conference play. For Michigan State, supporting cast members like Carson Cooper and Jordan Scott, who contributed key minutes in the win over Illinois, will need to provide balance. Wisconsin will rely on Austin Rapp and John Blackwell, who combined for 42 points in the win at Illinois, to complement Boyd’s scoring. The outcome could hinge on which star guard controls the tempo and whether either defense can force the other into an uncharacteristic performance. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST Friday at the Kohl Center. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.