The Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-18, 2-12 Big 10) will attempt to snap their 10-game losing streak when they go head-to-head with the Michigan State Spartans (17-9, 9-6 Big 10) at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Free Prediction
In the Spartans’ last outing, they were defeated by the No. 9 Maryland Terrapins, 67-60. Making free throws was one of Maryland’s biggest advantages. They were 12-15 (80.0 percent), while the Spartans were 10-14 (71.4 percent). Xavier Tillman was Michigan State’s high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
The Cornhuskers were beaten by the Wisconsin Badgers in their last contest, 81-64. Wisconsin’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Nebraska. The Badgers had a rate of 0.611 (above their season average of 0.493), while the Cornhuskers posted a mark of 0.446. Nebraska’s Cam Mack recorded eight points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the game.
After the Spartans won both meetings against the Cornhuskers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Michigan State won 91-76. The Spartans had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.633 vs. 0.500) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.7 vs. 30.2).
The inefficient offense of Nebraska will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Michigan State. The Cornhuskers currently rank 276th in offensive efficiency, while the Spartans are 33rd in defensive efficiency. The Spartans should have the advantage on that end of the court. Additionally, the Spartans, who rank 54th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.5 percent), will try to exploit the Cornhuskers, who rank 336th in defensive rebounding percentage (66.9 percent).
Michigan State Spartans at Nebraska Cornhuskers ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Michigan State ranks seventh in rebounds per game (40.9) while Nebraska ranks 296th in rebounds allowed per game (45.0).
The Spartans average 17.6 assists per game, which ranks third in the NCAA. The Cornhuskers rank 247th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
Michigan State ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.3) while Nebraska ranks 182nd (2.3).
The Spartans average 21.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 150th in the country. The Cornhuskers rank 283rd in three pointers allowed per game (26.2).
Nebraska ranks 39th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Michigan State ranks 86th (6.1).
The Spartans have been outscored by an average of 4.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Michigan State has defeated opponents by an average of 11.0 points.
During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.8 points per game (4.5 above their season average).