Michigan State at Washington: The Late-Night Details
If you're looking for what time is the michigan state basketball game today, you've actually just missed the live action. The No. 12 Michigan State Spartans tipped off against the Washington Huskies at 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT) on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The game was held at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion in Seattle. For those who didn't catch it on the Big Ten Network, it was a classic Tom Izzo road test. The Spartans didn't just survive the flight; they thrived.
MSU walked away with an 80-63 victory, proving that this team can handle the grueling "West Coast Swing" that has become the new normal in the expanded Big Ten.
Why the Start Time Mattered
Honestly, 6:00 PM ET is a bit of a "tweener" slot. It’s late enough for East Coast fans to settle in with dinner, but early enough that West Coast fans are still finding their seats. For the players, it’s a body-clock nightmare. Going from East Lansing to Seattle and playing in the afternoon sun (or at least the afternoon gray) is a lot to ask of a college kid.
Jeremy Fears Jr. and the Second-Half Surge
The score doesn't tell the whole story of how this game felt. For the first twenty minutes, it was a rock fight. Michigan State went into the locker room at halftime up 39-31, but the Huskies were hanging around. Zoom Diallo was making things difficult, and the Seattle crowd was getting loud.
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Then Jeremy Fears Jr. happened.
Fears, the redshirt sophomore who has basically become the heartbeat of this team, took over. He dropped 14 of his game-high 19 points in the second half. It wasn't just the scoring, though. He was barking orders, finding Coen Carr for lobs, and keeping the pace exactly where Izzo wanted it. By the time there were five minutes left, the Spartans had stretched the lead to nearly 20, and the air had completely left the building.
Key Stats from the Win
- Jeremy Fears Jr.: 19 points, 5 assists.
- Kur Teng: 11 points (3-of-4 from deep).
- Carson Cooper: 10 points, 6 rebounds.
- Team FG%: 47.7% for the Spartans compared to 47.2% for the Huskies.
The difference really came down to the three-point line and the glass. MSU hit 31.6% of their threes while holding Washington to a dismal 15.8% from behind the arc. You just can't win in modern basketball shooting like that, especially against a top-15 team.
What’s Next for the Spartans?
The road trip isn't over. Not even close.
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The Spartans are staying out West to face Oregon on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. That game is going to be a late one for the folks back in Michigan. It’s scheduled for 9:00 PM ET on FS1.
Oregon is currently dealing with some massive injury news. Their star big man, Nate Bittle, is out for at least a month with a foot injury. That’s huge because Bittle was averaging 16.3 points and nearly 7 rebounds. Without him, Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper should, in theory, have a much easier time controlling the paint. But as we saw today, playing on the road in this conference is never "easy."
How to Follow the Rest of the Season
If you're trying to keep track of the schedule, keep these upcoming dates on your radar. The Big Ten schedule-makers didn't do MSU many favors this year:
- At Oregon: Tuesday, Jan 20 at 9:00 PM (FS1)
- Vs. Maryland: Saturday, Jan 24 at 12:00 PM (Big Ten Network) - This is Alumni Day at the Breslin!
- At Rutgers: Tuesday, Jan 27 at 6:30 PM (Big Ten Network)
- Vs. Michigan: Friday, Jan 30 at 8:00 PM (Big Ten Network) - The "Go Green, Wear White" game.
The Michigan game is already sold out, which shouldn't surprise anyone. The rivalry feels different this year, especially with both teams fighting for a top-four seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
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Insider Tip for Fans
If you're planning to watch the Oregon game on Tuesday, make sure you have the FOX Sports app or FS1 ready. The 9 PM ET start time means the game likely won't end until nearly 11:30 PM. Grab some extra coffee.
The Spartans are now 16-2 overall and 6-1 in the conference. They are officially in the hunt for a regular-season title. Keep an eye on the injury report for Oregon as Tuesday approaches, but for now, enjoy the fact that MSU handled business in Seattle.
To stay updated on any potential time changes for the Oregon game or to check live stats during the next matchup, you can follow the official Spartan Media Network or check the MSU Athletics website directly.