The Texas Longhorns (5-0) clash against the 11th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (4-1) in the Las Vegas Invitational at Orleans Arena. Action gets underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 23, 2018.
Texas Longhorns vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Spartans won big over the 17th-ranked UCLA Bruins 87-67, while the Longhorns edged the seventh-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels 92-89.
Texas played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.322 (above their season average of 0.221) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.619 (above their season average of 0.473). North Carolina was 0.229 and 0.521, respectively, for those same stats. The Spartans, on the other hand, had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.557) and held the Bruins to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.7 (below their season average of 33.6). Cassius Winston had a good outing for Michigan State, contributing 19 points and seven assists. Texas received a boost from Kerwin Roach II, who had 32 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Michigan State ranks sixth in offensive efficiency and Texas is 57th in defensive efficiency since the 2017-18 season. Moreover, the Longhorns rank 60th in turnover percentage (17.0 percent), while the Spartans rank 346th in opponents’ turnover percentage (15.0 percent).
Texas vs. Michigan State ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Michigan State ranks first in assists per game (19.5) while Texas ranks 269th (12.0).
- The Spartans rank first in blocks per game (7.0) while the Longhorns rank 84th in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
- The Spartans average 41.6 rebounds per game, which ranks sixth in the country. The Longhorns rank 230th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
- Texas ranks 130th in steals per game (6.4) while Michigan State ranks 288th (4.3).
