The sixth-ranked Michigan State Spartans (15-2, 6-0 Big 10) and their great offense visit Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers (13-4, 3-3 Big 10) and their tremendous defense. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
Michigan State Spartans at Nebraska Cornhuskers ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Cornhuskers defeated the 25th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers 66-51, while the Spartans beat the Penn State Nittany Lions 71-56.
Michigan State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.255 (below their season average of 0.263) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.7 (above their season average of 36.1). Penn State was 0.117 and 23.1, respectively, for those same stats. The Cornhuskers, meanwhile, held the Hoosiers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.7 (below the 31.9 mark opponents have averaged against Nebraska this season) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.385 (below their season average of 0.575). Nebraska’s Isaac Copeland Jr. had a good outing, contributing 14 points and eight rebounds. Michigan State rallied around Nick Ward, who recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The Spartans won the only contest between these two teams last year, 86-57. One of Michigan State’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 36 free throw attempts, while Nebraska had just 20. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Nebraska (21st in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 115.8) takes on the stingy defense of Michigan State (39th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 93.7). Also, the Spartans, who rank 22nd in offensive rebounding percentage (36.2 percent), will face off against the Cornhuskers, who rank 287th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.6 percent).
Michigan State at Nebraska Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State ranks fourth in rebounds per game (43.8) while Nebraska ranks 161st in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
- The Spartans rank ninth in blocks per game (5.6) while the Cornhuskers rank 95th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- Michigan State ranks first in assists per game (21.1) while Nebraska ranks 83rd (14.6).
- The Cornhuskers rank 12th in three pointers allowed per game (17.7) while the Spartans rank 152nd (23.0).
- Nebraska ranks 31st in steals per game (8.3) while Michigan State ranks 165th (5.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 80.6 points per game (4.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
- The Cornhuskers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, down from 17.6 for the season.
