The Michigan State Spartans (5-4, 0-1 Big Ten) travel to the Bryce Jordan Center to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions (6-2, 0-0) Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network).Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Michigan State at Penn State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Senior Jalen Pickett has paced the Nittany Lions to a solid 6-2 start as they enter Big Ten play against the Spartans. Pickett is averaging 16.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists, which is 5th in the nation. The Lions come into this game after a weeklong break following a 101-94 double-OT loss on Nov. 29 to Clemson as 2.5-point underdogs.
Michigan State lost 70-63 loss at home to Northwestern on Sunday as 5.5-point favorites. The Spartans have struggled early in the season with a 5-4 record, albeit against tough competition. A win against Kentucky and Villanova have been the high points while losses to Northwestern and Notre Dame have been tough to digest for the fan base.
While neither team is favored to win the conference, both should remain in contention for an NCAA Tournament berth. A win here could help the resume of both teams.
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Michigan State at Penn State odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:38 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Michigan State +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Penn State -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +3.5 (-105) | Penn State -3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Michigan State at Penn State picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 67, Penn State 63
Moneyline
BET MICHIGAN STATE +140.
Pickett has been playing great for Penn State, but he will not be enough in this game as the Spartans look to get back on track after 2 straight losses. to Notre Dame and Northwestern.
Neither of these teams are high scoring and this will remain close. But Michigan State, as +140 underdogs, should pull out the victory. Michigan State ML is my favorite play.
Against the spread
PASS.
With the Spartans being the underdog and expected to win by me, I would rather win the extra money by taking the +140 ML and not the +3.5 (-105) ATS. Winning extra money just makes more sense.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 137.5 (-110).
These teams are not the offensive juggernauts in the nation. Penn State (76.9) ranks 7th in the Big Ten in scoring average while Michigan State ranks 10th (70.2). The defense will take hold in this game, and I do not think either team will get to 70. Therefor the Under 137.5 (-110) is my play here.
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