Last Updated on March 13, 2010 2:14 pm by drew
Michigan State Odds
Even though Michigan State has struggled as of late, the Spartans are always a team to worry about for the NCAA Tournament.
Set to make their 13th straight March Madness appearance, the Spartans have won at least one tournament game the last three seasons. In 15 years as head coach, Tom Izzo has led Michigan State to five Final Four appearances and eight sweet sixteens. Michigan State ranks 11th in the nation currently with a 24-8 record and was 14-4 in the Big Ten.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have given Michigan State 20/1 odds to win the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans had 3/2 odds to win the 2010 Big Ten Tournament, but lost their quarterfinal game to Minnesota, 72-67 in overtime.
Despite the impressive record, Michigan State doesn’t have a lot of impressive wins. Their biggest win was over then third-ranked Purdue 53-44, but the Boilermakers were without top player Robbie Hummel. After a string of three-straight losses, MSU finished the regular season by winning five of their last six before losing to the Gophers.
The Spartans rank third in the Big Ten, scoring 72.6 points per-game, as they shoot .473 percent from the field. The Spartans lack size but have dominated the glass this season, leading the Big Ten in rebounding offense and defense, which has led to a rebounding margin average of 9 per-game. MSU has some clear flaws though, as it ranks last in the conference in free throw percentage, hitting just 68 percent from the line. They also rank eighth in turnover margin at -1.16 per-game.
2008-09 Big Ten Player of the Year, Kalin Lucas, has led the Spartans this season, averaging 14.9 points and 3.9 assists per-game. Raymar Morgan has added 11.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per-game while Draymond Green and Durrell Summers each score 10.1 points per-contest. Green adds a team-high 7.9 rebounds per-game.
2010 March Madness Odds
Michigan State 20/1
Posted: 3/13/10 2:14PM ET