Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
Sunday afternoon features an intrastate rivalry as the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (19-2) take on the Michigan State Spartans (14-11). The Spartans will host this Big Ten matchup at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, with tipoff scheduled for 4:30 pm ET.
This will actually be the second straight matchup between the two teams. On Thursday, Michigan took the first game 69-50. In the win, Franz Wagner led the Wolverines with 19 points and six rebounds, while Aaron Henry had 14 points for the Spartans in the loss.
Prior to their win over the Spartans, the Wolverines had lost their previous matchup to Illinois 76-53. Luckily for Wolverine fans, with the win Thursday, they have secured the top spot in the Big Ten. They will look to finish off the season strong going into the Big Ten Conference tournament next week with another win over Michigan State.
Michigan State has lost two of their last three matchups. Their lone win in that span was a 64-58 win over Indiana on Tuesday. Still, with wins over No. 4 Illinois and No. 7 Ohio State in the last few weeks, Tom Izzo’s Spartans cannot be taken lightly.
Michigan comes in as the overwhelming favorite despite playing on the road. They are -460 to win while the Spartans’ moneyline sits at +360. The spread features Michigan State +8, and the over/under for total points is 136.
By The Numbers
Offensively, Michigan has been the stronger of the two teams. They rank 41st in the nation in scoring averaging 77.1 points per game, although they have averaged just 65 over their last three games. Michigan State ranks 193rd, averaging 69.5 points per game, averaging just 56.3 over their last three.
Defensively, it is once again Michigan who holds the upper hand. They rank 46th in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 65 points per game. The Spartans fall to 180th in the nation allowing 70.9 points per game.
Michigan Looking To Get Revved Up For Conference Tournament
The Michigan Wolverines took a huge hit to their confidence after getting annihilated by Illinois at home last week. Trying to get some momentum going into the Big Ten tournament, the Wolverines will look to take back-to-back games from the Spartans.
Leading the way for the Wolverines is big man Hunter Dickinson. He leads the team in points (14.4), rebounds (7.8), and blocks (1.5). He had a double-double in the first matchup between these teams scoring 14 points to go along with ten rebounds.
Other notable contributors include Isaiah Livers (13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, two assists) and Franz Wagner (13 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, one block).
Michigan State Hopes To Split Season Series
While their 8-11 conference record currently has them ninth in the Big Ten rankings, Spartan fans would likely take a small moral victory if Michigan State can win their home finale against rival Michigan.
Leading the way for Michigan State this season has been junior forward Aaron Henry. He actually leads the team in multiple categories, including points (15.4), assists (3.5), steals (1.3), and blocks (1.4).
The Spartans only have one other player averaging double digits in Joshua Langford. He is averaging 10 points and 3.5 rebounds.
Technically not in double digits, but forward Joey Hauser is averaging 9.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
Taking Wolverines To Win And Cover
Tom Izzo’s team has been resilient this season, picking up some surprising wins over really good teams, but I just don’t think they have enough firepower to hang with Michigan at this point.
The Wolverines made easy work of them in their last matchup, and I expect more of the same in this one. For my money, I am taking Michigan not only to win but to cover the 8-point spread as well.
