Bradley vs. Michigan State Prediction
Can No. 2 Michigan State avoid another early exit in the NCAA Tournament when the Spartans face No. 15 Bradley in the East Region at 2:45PM ET?
775 Bradley vs. 776 Michigan State
Thursday, March 21, 2019
2:45PM ET – Wells Fargo Arena
TV: CBS
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Michigan State is favored heavily in this game, as the Spartans are getting odds of -18.5 points against Bradley. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 133.5 points. The public betting currently has 60 percent going on Bradley as the underdog. 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.
Bradley strong defensively
Bradley won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament to get itself into March Madness. The Braves and won five of their last six and covered in four of their last five coming into today. Bradley is 20-14 on the season, 5-0 on a neutral floor, 16-17 against the spread and 19-13-1 with the under.
The Braves are one of the stronger defensive teams in the country, allowing just 65 points per game while holding opponents to 41.1 percent shooting. On the other hand, Bradley is a really poor offense. The Braves are averaging 66.6 points per game while shooting just 43.4 percent. Darrell Brown is leading the team with 14.7 points per game while Elijah Childs is adding 12.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest.
Spartans rolling
Michigan State is the Big Ten regular season and Big Ten Tournament champion. The Spartans have won nine of their last 10 coming into today and covered the spread in four of their last five. MSU is now 28-6 on the season, 5-1 on a neutral floor, 24-10 against the spread and 19-14-1 with the under.
MSU is very strong on both sides of the ball. The Spartans put up 78.8 points per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the field. Defensively, Michigan State is giving up just 65.5 points per game while limiting opponents to 37.8 percent shooting. Already without Joshua Langford for the season, backup guard Kyle Ahrens is expected to miss the tournament with an ankle injury. Cassius Winston is leading the team with 18.9 points and 7.6 assists per game while Nick Ward is adding 14.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Bradley
The Braves are just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven non-conference games, but they have covered in five straight at a neutral site.
Michigan State
The Spartans are just 1-5 against the spread in their last six NCAA Tournament games, but 20-6 ATS in their last 26 following a win.
Prediction:
Michigan State certainly looks to be the better team, but the Spartans are dealing with a lot of bumps and bruises. Winston has a toe injury and MSU is looking for any reason to give him some extended rest today. If the Spartans get up comfortably, I think they will take their foot off the gas and let their bench finish the game out. With both teams being strong on defense, I don’t think the points are going to pile up either, making it tough to cover a near-20 point spread.
College Basketball Prediction: Bradley +18.5