Wolverines vs. Spartans Prediction
A big in-state showdown is on the docket this afternoon as the 12th-ranked Michigan Wolverines play at the 14th-ranked Michigan State Spartans. Is MSU going to turn away its rivals and cover the spread?
Game Snapshot
809 Michigan Wolverines at 810 Michigan State Spartans
Sunday, January, 5, 2020
Breslin Center at 1PM ET
TV: 1:30PM ET
TV: CBS
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our NCAA Basketball Odds & Betting Page
According to oddsmakers, the Spartans are an 8-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 143.5 points. As of Sunday afternoon, 71 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting U-M. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.
Wolverines roll past River Hawks
Michigan cruised to an 86-60 home win last Sunday over UMass Lowell to improve to 10-3 overall and 7-1 at home. The Wolverines led 42-25 at halftime on their way to the victory. Jon Teske paced U-M with 25 points on 11-of-14 shooting plus 3-of-4 at the free throw line. He also pulled down four rebounds. Eli Brooks added 15 points, three assists and two boards.
Spartans dominate Fighting Illini
Michigan State picked up a 76-56 home win Thursday night against Illinois to move to 11-3 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans outscored the Fighting Ilini 40-26 in the second half to pull away. Cassius Winston led MSU with 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting including 3-of-5 from 3-point range plus 4-of-4 at the charity stripe. He also registered six assists and four rebounds. Xavier Tillman accounted for 19 points, seven boards, six dimes and four blocked shots. Gabe Brown tallied 12 points and four caroms. Aaron Henry added 10 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Michigan
The Wolverines are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 Sunday games. Michigan is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
Michigan State
The Spartans are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Sunday games. The favorite is 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
Prediction:
The Wolverines have had a few setbacks lately, but do have a win on a neutral court over now top-ranked Gonzaga plus there is no doubt they will be focused for a test against their rivals. Michigan will likely still be without leading scorer Isaiah Livers due to a groin injury, but I feel like the Ewing Theory could be in play for this one with the high stakes. While MSU has played outstanding basketball as of late, none of the opponents have been in the same league as Michigan. I’m taking advantage of a spread that might be a point or two too wide.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS -8