It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Michigan Wolverines (13-9, 4-7 Big 10) welcome the No. 16 Michigan State Spartans (16-7, 8-4 Big 10) to the Crisler Center. The game begins at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines ATS Prediction
In the Spartans’ last outing, they were defeated by the No. 22 Penn State Nittany Lions, 75-70. Penn State’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Michigan State. The Nittany Lions had a rate of 11.2 (better than their season average of 14.5), while the Spartans posted a mark of 19.8 (above their season average of 15.7). Cassius Winston was the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 8-for-21 shooting.
The Wolverines lost a tough one against the Ohio State Buckeyes in their last matchup, 61-58. Ohio State’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Michigan. The Buckeyes posted a mark of 11.5 (stronger than their season average of 17.6), while the Wolverines had a rate of 15.8. Michigan’s Franz Wagner put up eight points and 14 rebounds in the game.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Winston scored a game-high 32 points in the first matchup, in which the Spartans defeated the Wolverines 87-69. He also had nine assists. One of Michigan State’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 33 free throw attempts, while Michigan had 22.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, this appears to be a matchup of two heavyweights. The sharp-shooting Michigan offense ranks 47th in the country in that metric at 0.532, while the stingy Michigan State defense is ranked fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.427).
Michigan State at Michigan Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Michigan State ranks sixth in rebounds per game (41.5) while Michigan ranks 176th in rebounds allowed per game (35.8).
The Wolverines rank 12th in three pointers allowed per game (16.7) while the Spartans rank 156th (22.2).
Michigan ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Michigan State ranks 147th (12.9).
The Wolverines rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Spartans rank 116th (3.5).
Michigan ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Michigan State ranks 80th (6.0).
The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, down from 13.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (9.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (3.3 below their season average).