Rutgers vs. Michigan State Pick
Can No. 4 Michigan State bounce back in a big way when the Spartans host Rutgers tonight at 7PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Michigan State is the clear favorite, as the Spartans are getting odds of -21 points against Rutgers. The over/under total for the game is listed at 133 points. Tonight’s game takes place from the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan and will air live on the Big Ten Network.
Michigan State had its long win streak snapped this weekend in an 80-64 loss at Ohio State on Sunday. The Spartans are now 15-2 overall, 3-1 in the Big Ten and 11-6 against the spread. MSU has covered in five of its last six games. The Spartans are averaging 86.5 points per game on offense while allowing 62.5 per contest. Michigan State is led by Miles Bridges, who is averaging 16.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while Nick Ward is adding 14.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest.
Rutgers snapped a three-game win streak on Friday with a 64-60 win at home over Wisconsin. The Knights are now 11-6 overall, 1-3 in the Big Ten and 6-3 against the spread. Rutgers has covered in four of its last five lined games. The Knights are averaging 68.6 points per game while allowing 62.3 per game. Rutgers is being led by Corey Sanders, who averages 13.8 points per game. Deshawn Freeman is adding 11.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest.
Bet on Rutgers vs. Michigan State
Michigan State has won five straight meetings in this series, including a 62-52 win at Rutgers in early December. While the Knights covered in that game, the Spartans should be plenty motivated following the loss to Ohio State. MSU has been rolling at home while Rutgers is struggling on the road. The Knights are scoring just 59 points on the road and giving up 85.5 per game. The public betting is strongly with Michigan State and I agree with them.
CBB DAILY PREDICTION: MICHIGAN STATE -21