The 14th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (15-5, 7-2 Big 10) welcome the Northwestern Wildcats (6-13, 1-8 Big 10) to Jack Breslin Student Events Center. The Spartans are 17-point favorites and look to extend their seven-game home winning streak, while the Wildcats try to end their five-game road losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 140.5 points and it starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Spartans easily got past the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 70-52, while the Wildcats lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes, 71-59.
Michigan State was 7-17 on three pointers (41.2 percent). Minnesota, meanwhile, was just 5-28 (17.9 percent). Northwestern, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (15.8 vs. 17.0). Michigan State was led by Xavier Tillman, who recorded 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Miller Kopp fueled Northwestern with 20 points.
In their first matchup this season, Tillman led the Spartans to a 77-72 victory. He recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Michigan State’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Spartans had 14 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Wildcats had four and 24, respectively.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Michigan State figures to have a considerable advantage. The Spartans defense ranks fifth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.424), while the Northwestern offense is ranked 277th in effective field goal percentage (0.479). Ball security should be an advantage for the Wildcats. They rank 27th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent). Conversely, the Spartans force the 19th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.4 percent).
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Michigan State Spartans Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State ranks third in assists per game (18.7) while Northwestern ranks 225th in assists allowed per game (15.6).
- The Spartans average 21.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 165th in the country. The Wildcats rank 207th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
- Michigan State ranks 214th in steals per game (5.0) while Northwestern ranks 232nd (4.5).
- The Spartans rank fifth in rebounds per game (41.9) while the Wildcats rank 200th (34.3).
- Michigan State ranks 19th in blocks per game (5.3) while Northwestern ranks 161st (2.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 1.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 63.2 points per game (13.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
