A six-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the 15th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (13-4, 5-1 Big 10) when they go head-to-head against the Wisconsin Badgers (11-6, 4-2 Big 10) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 17, 2020.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Spartans lost big to the Purdue Boilermakers, 71-42, while the Badgers edged the 17th-ranked Maryland Terrapins, 56-54.
The Badgers had a turnover percentage of 11.8 (better than their season average of 15.0) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.520 (above their season average of 0.505). Michigan State, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 38.2). Xavier Tillman led the way for Michigan State, putting up eight points and eight rebounds. Nate Reuvers played a key role for Wisconsin with 17 points and five rebounds.
The Spartans dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both contests. In the last game, Michigan State won 67-55. One of Michigan State’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 12-15 (80.0 percent), while the Badgers were just 5-9 (55.6 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the NCAA’s top rebounding teams battle. The Spartans rank 17th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.6 percent), while Wisconsin ranks 39th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent). The Badgers should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 40th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while the Spartans force the 25th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.6 percent).
Wisconsin vs. Michigan State Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State ranks second in assists per game (19.0) while Wisconsin ranks 212th (11.4).
- The Badgers rank 31st in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Spartans rank 115th (3.8).
- Wisconsin ranks 19th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Michigan State ranks 70th (6.0).
- The Spartans rank fourth in rebounds per game (42.8) while the Badgers rank 208th (33.9).
- Wisconsin ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while Michigan State ranks 169th (22.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Badgers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 7.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
