The No. 14 Bucknell Bison (25-9) go head-to-head against the No. 3 Michigan State Spartans (29-4) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Little Caesars Arena. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Bucknell Bison vs. Michigan State Spartans ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Spartans fell to the 15th-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 75-64, while the Bison won big over the Colgate Raiders, 83-54.
The Bison had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.625 (above their season average of 0.537) and had a turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 15.5). Michigan State, on the other hand, held Michigan to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.2 (below their season average of 26.6). Michigan State was led by Miles Bridges, who put up 17 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Stephen Brown fueled Bucknell with 22 points and six assists.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, this appears to be a matchup of two heavyweights. The sweet-shooting Michigan State offense ranks ninth in the nation in that metric at 0.578, while the stingy Bucknell defense is ranked 42nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.476). It will also be a matchup of contrasting styles as the up-and-down Bison rank 41st in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Spartans rank 253rd.
The Bison’s Stephen Brown has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 18.4 points and 1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Cassius Winston has averaged 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists during that same time frame for the Spartans.
Bucknell Bison vs. Michigan State Spartans Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State averages 40.8 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the NCAA. Bucknell ranks 175th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
- The Spartans rank first in assists per game (19.3) while the Bison rank 102nd (14.5).
- Bucknell ranks 177th in steals per game (5.6) while Michigan State ranks 256th (4.1).
- The Bison rank 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while the Spartans rank 158th (21.8).
- Michigan State ranks first in blocks per game (7.4) while Bucknell ranks 109th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 84.2 points per game (3.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (10.3 below their season average).
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 16.2 for the season.
