Last Updated on March 28, 2010 12:00 pm by drew
MSU-Tenneessee Pick
Two unexpected finalists make up the Midwest Regional Final as Michigan State takes on Tennessee Sunday at 2:20PM ET for a spot in the 2010 Final Four.
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These two teams will battle it out from the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Volunteers are the No. 6 seed and the Spartans are the No. 5 seed.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made Tennessee 2-point favorites over Michigan State on Sunday afternoon. The over/under has been set at 136.
The Spartans are looking to reach their eighth Final Four in school history and second in two years. It would also be MSU’s fourth since 2001. Michigan State is dealing with injuries to three key players including Kalin Lucas, who is out with a torn Achilles tendon. Michigan State still defeated Northern Iowa without Lucas as the Spartans prevailed over the Panthers 59-52 on Friday. MSU got the win with defense, holding UNI to 38 percent shooting from the field, including 25 percent from 3-point land. Durrell Summers had 19 points and seven rebounds to lead Michigan State while Korie Lucious had 10 points, six rebounds, four steals, and four assists.
Tennessee is playing in its first Elite Eight and seeking its first Final Four appearance in school history. The Volunteers are coming off a 76-73 win over Ohio State on Friday. Tennessee also has wins over San Diego State and Ohio in the tournament. In the win over the Buckeyes, Tennessee dominated the glass, out-rebounding Ohio State 36-23. The Volunteers were led by Wayne Chism, who had 22 points and 11 rebounds. J.P. Prince added 14 points and six assists, and also had a block on a 3-point attempt by Evan Turner in the game’s final second of play.
Michigan State has the experience to win this game, but the Volunteers showed they have the talent to beat anyone in the win over Ohio State. The Volunteers will certainly have more talent than the Spartans in this game with Michigan State’s injury issues. While MSU has a great coach in Tom Izzo, they lack depth in this game, especially at point guard, and the Volunteers like to apply defensive pressure, which will work against MSU and help the Volunteers reach their first Final Four.
Our NCAA Tournament Free Pick for this matchup is: TENNESSEE -2 and UNDER 136
March Madness Betting Trends
TENNESSEE: 12-4 Under off BB ATS wins
MICHIGAN ST: 5-10 ATS vs. non-conference
Tennessee is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Tennessee’s last 23 games
Michigan State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
March Madness Injury Report
MICHIGAN ST
[F] 03/22/2010 – Delvon Roe probable Friday vs. Northern Iowa ( Knee )
[F] 03/22/2010 – Chris Allen probable Friday vs. Northern Iowa ( Foot )
(!)[F] 03/21/2010 – Kalin Lucas out for season ( Foot )
TENNESSEE
No Injuries Reported
March Madness Game Odds
Michigan State Spartans +2 Over 136
Tennessee Volunteers -2 Under 136
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Posted: 3/28/10 12:00PM ET