The No. 12 Michigan Wolverines (10-3, 1-1 Big 10) travel to Michigan State to take on the No. 14 Spartans (11-3, 3-0 Big 10) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against superb defense. The game begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans Betting Prediction
In the Wolverines’ last contest, they blew out the UMass Lowell River Hawks, 86-60. The Wolverines, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7, had a superb mark of 31.3 and held the River Hawks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.450 (below their season average of 0.508). Michigan received a boost from Jon Teske, who was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 11-for-14 shooting.
The Spartans had no trouble getting past the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last outing, 76-56. Michigan State’s 0.283 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Illinois, who had a mark of 0.120. The Spartans’ mark was above their season average of 0.272, while the Fighting Illini’s was below their season average of 0.293. With 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Michigan State’s Xavier Tillman had a good outing.
After the Spartans won all three games against the Wolverines last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Michigan State won 65-60. Michigan State out-rebounded Michigan. The Spartans had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. three), defensive rebounds (27 vs. 26) and total rebounds (38 vs. 29).
It might turn into a shootout as two of the country’s premier offenses clash. Michigan State ranks eighth with 114.9 points per 100 possessions and Michigan is 27th (112.4).
Michigan vs. Michigan State ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Michigan ranks eighth in three pointers allowed per game (16.1) while Michigan State ranks 164th (23.0).
The Wolverines rank fifth in assists allowed per game (8.7) while the Spartans rank 134th (12.9).
Michigan State ranks second in rebounds per game (43.2) while Michigan ranks 113th (36.9).
The Wolverines rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while the Spartans rank 78th (3.2).
The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.0, up from 13.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 84.2 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 57.4 points per game (6.3 below their season average).
