The ninth-ranked Michigan State Spartans (24-6, 15-4 Big 10) welcome the seventh-ranked Michigan Wolverines (26-4, 15-4 Big 10) to Jack Breslin Student Events Center as the regular season comes to a close. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Spartans defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 91-76, while the Wolverines beat the 17th-ranked Maryland Terrapins 69-62.
Michigan dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.228 (above their season average of 0.199) and a turnover percentage of 5.9 (better than their season average of 12.7). For those same stats, Maryland recorded marks of 0.103 and 12.6, respectively. Meanwhile, Michigan State played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.633 (above their season average of 0.559) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.7 (above their season average of 34.5). For those same stats, Nebraska was 0.500 and 30.2, respectively. Kenny Goins was a key piece for Michigan State with 24 points and eight rebounds. Michigan, meanwhile, was led by Zavier Simpson, who contributed 12 points and 10 assists.
In their first matchup this season, Cassius Winston led the Spartans to a 77-70 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 27 points. Michigan State was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Spartans made 24 of their 30 free throws (80.0 percent), while the Wolverines were 17-20 (85.0 percent).
The Wolverines’ Simpson has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 10 points,7.2 assists,1.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, Goins has averaged 11 points,9.0 rebounds during that same time frame for the Spartans.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Michigan State (ninth in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 116.5) takes on the stingy defense of Michigan (fourth in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 89.4). Ball security should be an advantage for the Wolverines. They rank 4th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent). Conversely, the Spartans force the 11th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.4 percent).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (16.0) while Michigan State ranks 167th (22.8).
- The Wolverines rank first in steals allowed per game (3.8) while the Spartans rank 122nd (6.4).
- Michigan State blocks 5.5 opponent shots per game, which is ranked fourth in the nation. Michigan ranks 78th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
- The Spartans rank fourth in rebounds per game (41.2) while the Wolverines rank 156th (35.3).
- Michigan State ranks third in assists per game (19.3) while Michigan ranks 142nd (13.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.8 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, down from 13.9 for the season.
