Michigan State vs. Ohio State Pick
Can No. 1 Michigan State continue its strong run when the Spartans go on the road to face Ohio State today at 4:30PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Michigan State is favored on the road, as the Spartans are getting odds of -8.5 points against Ohio State. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 144 points. Today’s game takes place from Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio and will air live on CBS.
Michigan State is rolling along right now, as the Spartans have won their last 10 by double digits and their last five by at least 30 points. That includes a 91-61 win over Maryland earlier this week. The Spartans are 15-1 overall, 3-0 in the Big Ten and 11-5 against the spread. MSU has covered the spread in five straight games. MSU is averaging 87.9 points per game on offense while giving up 61.4 per game on defense. The Spartans are led by Miles Bridges, who is averaging 16.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Nick Ward is adding 15.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per contest.
Ohio State has won two straight and seven of its last eight. That includes a win at Iowa on Thursday. The Buckeyes are 12-4 overall, 3-0 in the Big Ten and 6-8 against the spread. Ohio State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five. The Buckeyes are averaging 79.3 points per game this season while giving up 68.6 per contest. Keita Bates-Diop is leading Ohio State with 19.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. C.J. Jackson is adding 13.5 points and 4.3 assists per contest.
Bet on Michigan State vs. Ohio State
Michigan State has won six of its last seven meetings with Ohio State, going 7-1 against the spread in the last eight in this series as well. MSU is rolling, but this is just the second road game for the Spartans. Their first was a 10-point win at Rutgers as a as a 14.5-point favorite. While things can change on the road, I think MSU will continue with its tenacious defensive effort. That should make up for any shooting issues they could have. MSU is proving it’s a deep roster and can overwhelm most teams. The public betting is backing Michigan State and I agree with them.
CBB DAILY PREDICTION: MICHIGAN STATE -8.5