Ohio St. vs. Michigan St. Prediction
Will No. 6 Michigan State possibly have a letdown when the Spartans play host to the Ohio State this afternoon at 12:30PM ET in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals?
807 Ohio State vs. 808 Michigan State
Friday, March 14, 2019
12:30PM ET – United Center
TV: Big Ten Network
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Michigan State is the heavy favorite, as the Spartans are getting odds of -11 points against Ohio State. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 135 points. The public betting currently has 55 percent going on Michigan State as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Ohio State snaps out of funk
Ohio State opened tournament play yesterday with a 79-75 win over Indiana. The Buckeyes, who are the 8 seed, snapped a three-game losing and covers streak in the win. Ohio State is 19-13 on the season, 9-12 against the spread, 3-0 on a neutral floor, 13-19 against the spread and 16-15-1 with the over.
The Buckeyes are a good defensive team, giving up 65.9 points per game while opponents shoot 41.8 percent from the field. Offensively, Ohio State is putting up 69.6 points per game while shooting 43.6 percent from the field. Kaleb Wesson is leading the team with 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while C.J. Jackson is adding 12.3 points and 3.5 assists per contest.
Spartans the top seed
Michigan State is the top seed in this tournament and the Spartans are coming off a 75-63 win over Michigan last weekend. They have won seven of their last eight while going 6-2 against the spread. MSU is 25-6 on the season, 16-4 in Big Ten games, 2-1 on a neutral floor, 22-9 against the spread and 17-13-1 with the under.
The Spartans are putting up 79.7 points per game on offense this season while shooting 48.9 percent from the field. Defensively, MSU is giving up just 65.9 points per game while opponents shoot 37.6 percent against them. Nick Ward is expected to return from a hand injury today. He has been out for nearly a month. Ward averages 15.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Cassius Winston is leading the way with 19.0 points and 7.6 assists per contest.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are 6-13 against the spread in their last 19 Big Ten games and 1-7 ATS in their last eight following a win.
Michigan State
MSU is 15-5 against the spread in Big Ten games this season and 18-5 ATS in their last 23 following a win.
Prediction:
Michigan State won both meetings with Ohio State this season thanks to big second-half performances. However, I am concerned about the Spartans health. Ward is returning from injury and likely to be rusty and not in the greatest game shape. Winston appears to be dealing with a leg injury that he is playing through and Kyle Ahrens is playing through a back injury. I am not sure how much motivation MSU will have to play three games in three days because of that. They are likely to be a 2 seed no matter what they do this weekend. Ohio State has everything to gain in this one.
College Basketball Prediction: Ohio State +11