It will be a contest between two exceptional defenses when the seventh-ranked Michigan Wolverines (24-3, 13-3 Big 10) challenge the 10th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (22-5, 13-3 Big 10) at Crisler Center. The game starts at 3:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 24, 2019.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Wolverines defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 69-60, while the Spartans beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 71-60.
Michigan State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.364 (above their season average of 0.250) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 34.7). For those same stats, Rutgers put up marks of 0.155 and 24.4, respectively. Michigan, meanwhile, launched 28 three pointers, making 13 of them (46.4 percent), while Minnesota was just 1-10 (10.0 percent). Michigan was lifted by Jon Teske, who had 17 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Cassius Winston had a good game for Michigan State, recording 28 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
The Wolverines dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both contests. In the most recent contest, Michigan won 75-64. Michigan did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (24-33; 72.7 percent). Michigan State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (22.5 vs. 17.2). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Points could be at a premium as a pair of the nation’s best defenses square off. Michigan currently ranks second in defensive efficiency (87.9) and Michigan State is 23rd (94.3). Furthermore, the Spartans, who rank 26th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.9 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Wolverines, who rank 41st in defensive rebounding percentage (75.2 percent).
Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Michigan ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (15.9) while Michigan State ranks 161st (22.5).
- The Wolverines rank first in steals allowed per game (3.7) while the Spartans rank 126th (6.4).
- Michigan State ranks third in blocks per game (5.7) while Michigan ranks 70th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
- The Spartans rank fourth in rebounds per game (41.9) while the Wolverines rank 162nd (35.3).
- Michigan State ranks third in assists per game (19.5) while Michigan ranks 138th (13.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, down from 12.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (9.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.4 points per game (6.2 below their season average).
