The No. 16 Michigan State Spartans (21-9, 13-6 Big 10) and No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes (21-9, 11-8 Big 10) bring the regular season to an end when they square off at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8, 2020.
Michigan Sportsbooks opened Michigan St as a 6.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 140.5 points.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Prediction
In the Buckeyes’ last contest, they beat the No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini, 71-63. The Buckeyes made 24 of their 28 free throws (85.7 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.1 (above their season average of 31.0). Ohio State received a boost from E.J. Liddell, who finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Spartans were victorious over the No. 20 Penn State Nittany Lions in their last outing, 79-71. Michigan State’s 0.575 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Penn State, who had a rate of 0.412. The Spartans’ mark was above their season average of 0.524, while the Nittany Lions’ was below their season average of 0.502. Xavier Tillman was the game’s top scorer with 23 points on 10-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Spartans won all three games against the Buckeyes last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Michigan State won 77-70. The Spartans knocked down 18 of their 21 free throws (85.7 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (15.7 vs. 21.0).
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Michigan State currently ranks 33rd in offensive efficiency and Ohio State ranks 38th in defensive efficiency.
Ohio State vs. Michigan State Betting Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Ohio State ranks 34th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while Michigan State ranks 156th (13.0).
The Buckeyes rank 116th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while the Spartans rank 204th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
Ohio State ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Michigan State ranks 89th (6.0).
The Spartans rank 14th in blocks per game (5.0) while the Buckeyes rank 86th (3.5).
Michigan State ranks eighth in rebounds per game (40.8) while Ohio State ranks 78th (37.3).
The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, down from 9.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (0.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (3.2 above their season average).