College Basketball Predictions: Houston Baptist vs. Michigan State 12/18/17

Houston Baptist vs. Michigan State Pick

Can No. 2 Michigan State dominate Houston Baptist when the Spartans play host to them later today at 6PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Michigan State if heavily favored in this game. The Spartans are getting odds of -33 points against Houston Baptist. The over/under total for the contest has yet to be set. Today’s game takes place from the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan and will air live on the Big Ten Network.

Michigan State is on a 9-game winning streak following an 86-73 win over Oakland this past weekend. The Spartans are now 10-1 on the season while going 6-5 against the spread. MSU has failed to cover in three straight games, as all as a double-digit favorite. Michigan State averages 80.7 points per game on offense while allowing 62.4 per game on defense. Miles Bridges is putting up 15.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game to lead the team while Nick Ward is adding 13.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest.

Houston Baptist is coming off a 100-65 win over Barclay College to snap a two-game losing streak. The Huskies are 4-7 on the season while going 1-1 against the spread. Their last seven games haven’t been lined. Houston Baptist is averaging 76.9 points per game this season while allowing 88.5 per game on defense. Josh Ibarra is leading the team with 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, but he is questionable to play tonight due to a foot injury. David Caraher is adding 15.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest.

Bet on Houston Baptist vs. Michigan State

These two have no recent meetings to consider. Michigan State is obviously the better team with better athletes, but covering a 33-point spread isn’t something that is easy to do. An off shooting night, some defensive lapses, or a coach’s commitment to playing starters can all impact a team covering a spread of this magnitude. Michigan State isn’t about overwhelming offense right now either. MSU is trying to rely on defense. I just can’t trust a team to cover 33 points. The public betting is strong with Michigan State, but I will take the points.

CBB DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON BAPTIST +33

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