The No. 9 Michigan State Spartans (19-5, 10-3 Big 10) travel to Wisconsin to take on the No. 19 Badgers (17-7, 9-4 Big 10) in a matchup that pits great offense against exceptional defense. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Michigan State Spartans at Wisconsin Badgers Betting Prediction
In the Spartans’ last contest, they blew out the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 79-55. The Spartans forced 16 turnovers and held the Golden Gophers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.418 (below their season average of 0.487). Michigan State was lifted by Nick Ward, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
The Badgers fell to the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines in their last outing, 61-52. Michigan’s 0.125 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Wisconsin, who had a rate of 0.000. The Wolverines’ mark was below their season average of 0.204, while the Badgers’ was below their season average of 0.180. With 18 points on 9-for-19 shooting, Ethan Happ was Wisconsin’s leading scorer.
Points could be at a premium in this contest between a pair of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Wisconsin ranks 18th in defensive efficiency (93.5) and Michigan State is 39th (95.6).
After the Spartans won all three matchups against the Badgers last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Michigan State won 63-60. One of Michigan State’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 10-11 (90.9 percent), while the Badgers were just 2-6 (33.3 percent).
Michigan State Spartans at Wisconsin Badgers Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan State ranks fifth in rebounds per game (42.1) while Wisconsin ranks 198th (34.4).
The Spartans rank first in assists per game (20.2) while the Badgers rank 159th (13.2).
Wisconsin ranks 43rd in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Michigan State ranks 175th (23.0).
The Spartans average 5.7 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the NCAA. The Badgers rank 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Wisconsin ranks 14th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Michigan State ranks 115th (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 14.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Badgers have scored an average of 60.2 points per game (10.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 54.0 points per game (7.0 below their season average).
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