The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-2, 0-1 Big 10) will attempt to put an end to the six-game winning streak of Michigan State when they welcome the No. 3 Spartans (7-1, 1-0 Big 10) to Louis Brown Athletic Center. Michigan State is a 14-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 134.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.
Michigan State Spartans at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The last time the Spartans played, they had no trouble getting past the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 86-57. With 15 points and 10 rebounds, Jaren Jackson Jr. had a good performance for Michigan State. Michigan State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.474 (above their season average of 0.228) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (below their season average of 39.8). Nebraska put up marks of 0.210 and 21.7, respectively, for those same stats.
The Scarlet Knights are hoping for a better outcome after their 89-67 loss to the No. 12 Minnesota Golden Gophers in their last contest. With 10 points and 12 rebounds, Deshawn Freeman had a good performance for Rutgers. Minnesota did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (27-35; 77.1 percent). Rutgers, on the other hand, held the Golden Gophers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.7 (below their season average of 36.8).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Rutgers ranks 296th in possessions per game (67.3) and Michigan State is 260th (68.3) dating back to the 2016-17 season. Additionally, the sweet-shooting offense of the Spartans ranks 33rd in effective field goal percentage (0.545), while the Scarlet Knights have been 31st-best in the NCAA at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.464).
There does not appear to be a trend for either of these teams in terms of going over or under the projected point total. The Spartans hold a clear advantage in terms of straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS, while the Scarlet Knights are 6-2 SU and 2-1-1 ATS.
The Spartans won the lone contest against the Scarlet Knights last season, 93-65. The Spartans played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.675 and a great free throw rate of 0.281. The Scarlet Knights were 0.442 and 0.200, respectively, for those same stats.
Michigan State Spartans at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Spartans rank 188th in three pointers attempted per game (20.7) while the Scarlet Knights rank 324th (15.8).
- Michigan State ranks 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (32.5) while Rutgers ranks 167th (35.0).
- Michigan State ranks 11th in assists per game (17.2) while Rutgers ranks 294th (11.2).
- The Spartans rank 23rd in blocks per game (5.1) while the Scarlet Knights rank 262nd in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
- Rutgers ranks 104th in steals per game (6.8) while Michigan State ranks 298th (4.4).
