The No. 20 Michigan State Spartans (7-2, 0-0 Big Ten) and Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-0, 0-0) clash Wednesday in Big Ten action. Tip-off from Williams Arena in Minneapolis is slated for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Michigan State vs. Minnesota odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Michigan State’s two losses have come against Kansas and Baylor, both current top-7 teams. The quick-paced Spartans have held opponents to just 58.8 points per contest in their seven wins. Multiple efficiency measures tab MSU as a top-3 defense on a per-possession basis, and the Spartans also excel on the boards and in outscoring foes at the free-throw line.
The Golden Gophers haven’t played as tough a schedule in the early going. Minnesota’s first game against a top-100 opponent was Sunday when the Gophers downed Mississippi State on the road. UM shot 41.4% from 3-point range in that game. One of the most veteran teams in the nation, the Gophers excel in knocking down triples on offense and avoiding them on defense.
Michigan State at Minnesota odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:07 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Michigan State -320 (bet $320 to win $100) | Minnesota +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
- Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State -7.5 (-105) | Minnesota +7.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Michigan State at Minnesota odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 67, Minnesota 62
Money line
The schedule strength thus far makes for a stark contrast, but peg the Gophers on their home floor as being able to pull this one off outright at a near-33%-35% probability. MINNESOTA (+250) is worth a play, especially in concert with some ATS action.
Against the spread
The Spartans are coming off going a combined 22-for-44 from 3-point range in two straight games on home hardwood. A regression from distance against a Minnesota team that defends the perimeter well seems likely. MSU is the superior team, but conference road games are a grind.
TAKE MINNESOTA +7.5 (-120).
Over/Under
Michigan State and Minnesota have yielded a combined 124.6 points per game this season. Expect few runs fueled by 3-point barrages. BACK THE UNDER 136.5 (-115).
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