The 15th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (7-3, 1-0 Big 10) will be at Welsh-Ryan Arena to square off with the Northwestern Wildcats (5-4, 0-1 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.
Michigan State Spartans at Northwestern Wildcats Betting Odds
Both teams thoroughly outplayed their last opponent. The Wildcats defeated the SIUE Cougars 72-54, while the Spartans beat the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 72-49.
Michigan State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 (above their season average of 34.1) and a free throw rate of 0.224 (below their season average of 0.268). Oakland was 19.6 and 0.123, respectively, for those same stats. The Wildcats, on the other hand, had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 16.9), while the Cougars had a free throw rate of 0.104 (below their season average of 0.150). Northwestern rallied around Ryan Young, who had 25 points and 12 rebounds. Xavier Tillman had a good game for Michigan State, putting up nine points and 13 rebounds.
The Spartans won the only game between these two teams last year, 81-55. The Spartans’ 33.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Wildcats, who had a rate of 15.2.
The offense of Northwestern will square off against the stingy defense of Michigan State. Since last season, the Wildcats rank 246th in offensive efficiency, while the Spartans are 70th in defensive efficiency. The Spartans should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Northwestern Wildcats Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Michigan State averages 18.4 assists per game, which ranks third in the nation. Northwestern ranks 177th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- The Spartans rank 131st in three pointers attempted per game (21.8) while the Wildcats rank 162nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.9).
- The Spartans rank 15th in rebounds per game (40.7) while the Wildcats rank 134th (34.5).
- Michigan State ranks 33rd in blocks per game (5.1) while Northwestern ranks 148th (3.8).
