It is a Big Ten showdown between the No. 2 team in the country, the Michigan Wolverines, and their archrivals, the Michigan State Spartans. Get the latest odds and information for this contest at PointsBet Sportsbook.
Michigan Looks to Slay Spartans Again
The Michigan Wolverines (19-2, 14-2 in the Big Ten) dominated Michigan State on Thursday, 69-50. Michigan held an 11-point lead heading into the half but put this game away by limiting the Spartans to 30% shooting after the break. Michigan State missed all nine of their three-point shots. Meanwhile, the Wolverines hit 50% of their shots, including seven of 16 from the three-point range (43.8%). Franz Wagner led the way with 19 points. Hunter Dickinson had a double-double at 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Michigan is 54th in the country in points per game at 77.1 and 58th in points allowed at 65.0. The Wolverines are an outstanding shooting team, 11th in three-point shooting at 39.0% in 19 overall at 49.1%. Michigan is averaging 35.7 rebounds per game, 39th overall.
Michigan is led by Hunter Dickinson at 14.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest. Isaiah Livers is second at 13.9 points and 6.2 boards with Franz Wagner close behind at 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Spartans Look to Rebound
The Michigan State Spartans (14-11, 8-11 in the Big Ten) look to rebound after a very disappointing loss against Michigan. Aaron Henry was the only player to score in double digits, grabbing 14 points and five rebounds, which also led the team. No other player scored more than eight points.
Michigan State is averaging 69.5 ppg while allowing 70.9 per contest. They are shooting 42.4% from the field and 32.2% from the three-point range. The Spartans have been a solid rebounding team as well, averaging 35.2 boards per game, 52nd in the nation. They are 20th in blocks at 4.8 per game.
Henry leads Michigan and points at 15.4 per game and is second in rebounds at 5.6 per contest. Joey Hauser is averaging 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Michigan:
- 4-0 ATS in their last four games on the road.
- 22-8 ATS in their last 30 games.
Michigan State:
- 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games following an ATS loss.
- 0-5 ATS in their last five games on a Sunday.
Michigan absolutely dominated Michigan State on Thursday, and they are not in any mood to take the foot off the gas. While I expect to see them rest their starters a bit, there are still four days before the conference tournament gets underway. I have no doubt they are going to want to make one last statement before heading into the tournament.
Michigan State has lost two of their last three games. They will be looking to establish something preparing for the conference tournament, but they do not match up well against Wolverines.
Pick: Take Michigan -8 at – 110
The Total:
Both Michigan and Michigan State have gone under in each of their last four games. In their last three victories, the Wolverines have held opponents under 60 points in each of those games. Michigan State has not scored more than 64 points in any of their last three games.
The Spartans are going to have a very tough afternoon. Take Michigan to win, 74-61.
Pick: Go under 137.0 points at -115