The Michigan State Spartans (1-0) climb aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln to take on the No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs (1-0) Friday. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Michigan State vs. Gonzaga odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
The No. 2 Bulldogs and the Spartans bring us our first elite matchup of the college basketball season. Coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans will battle one of the favorites to win the National Championship aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln to find out just how good their squad is before heading into Big Ten play.
Gonzaga will continue its historic run as the underdog made good in 2022-23 as it looks to finally win a National Championship — feat that has eluded it thus far despite getting close on several occasions.
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Michigan State vs. Gonzaga odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Michigan State +440 (bet $100 to win $440) | Gonzaga -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +11.5 (-112) | Gonzaga -11.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Michigan State vs. Gonzaga picks and predictions
Prediction
Gonzaga 85, Michigan State 70
Moneyline
PASS.
With the ATS being as high as it is, the ML is too long on either side.
Against the spread
BET GONZAGA -11.5 (-108).
Michigan State overcame Northern Arizona 73-55 Monday to start its season on a winning note. It will not be undefeated after this game.
Gonzaga comes out of the gate hot. The Bulldogs routinely put up 90 or more points and even when close at half, their opponents should run hide in the second half of games.
With this game being played outdoors, the wind will be an issue. Gonzaga, with its big men down low, will dominate the post and continuously get easy baskets under the net.
These games are unusual and special — but so is Gonzaga. I see at least an 11.5 victory to cover here. GONZAGA -11.5 (-108) is my favorite play in this game.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 142.5 (-110).
As in all Gonzaga games, I lean Over the total in this matchup. Gonzaga won 104-63 in its season opener against North Florida. Points are never a problem for the Bulldogs. However, with the outside environment of the game Friday, it is difficult to decide which side to play.
Michigan State can be streaky and if it decides to not show up, this could sneak Under the total. I am confident this game should go over 142.5. But I would rather take the points with Gonzaga and leave the chances of the wind impacting shots out of my wager.
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