Michigan State Basketball: Preview for Washington as Spartans head west

Michigan State basketball moves into their west coast trip with a 14-2 record (5-1 in the Big Ten), good enough for fourth in-conference. After a crucial victory against Indiana, MSU turned their focus to the Huskies, hoping for their first-ever win playing out west in conference play.

Tom Izzo addressed the fanbase’s concerns with any potential differences in the upcoming trip during his postgame press conference on Tuesday night, quipping “I’d like to go there and win two games instead of lose two games.” That said, the veteran coach did say that there would be no changes in the physical preparation for those games, and he was proud of how the staff handled it in 2025.

Last year, the green and white left California after losing to both USC and UCLA. This time, MSU plays Washington, and then heads down a state to Oregon for key matchups that will show what State is really capable of.

The Huskies stand at 10-7 (2-4), and rank 13th in the Big Ten standings currently. Head coach Danny Sprinkle has his team in a competitive role though, after losing to No. 4 Michigan 82-72 on Wednesday night.

Washington is led by freshman Hannes Steinbach, a 6-foot-11 forward from Germany who is in the discussion for Big Ten player of the year. Steinbach averages a double-double every night, with 17.9 points per game and 11.2 rebounds a game, both currently lead the team.

Besides Steinbach, the Huskies have five other players averaging over 10 points per contest. USC transfers Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates have thrived for Washington in 2025, and would be looking for their big break after losing to both Michigan and Purdue by less than 11 points. However, unfortunately for the Huskies, Claude will be missing the contest due to an injury.

Washington plays tough defense as well, allowing an average of 73.6 points per game while scoring around 81.1 points a night, a 7.5 plus margin. The Huskies average more blocks and steals than their opponents, as well as turning the ball over less than their consistent foes.

Michigan State will have to rely on their consistency on against the Huskies, as Sprinkle’s team has the capabilities to stop any roster in the country from playing their brand of basketball. The Spartans cannot go cold on Saturday, and let Washington go on a run.