The No. 13 Michigan State Spartans (17-4, 8-2 Big Ten) visit Jersey Mike’s Arena to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-9, 6-5) Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (on FS1). Below, we look at the Michigan State vs. Rutgers odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Led by F Ron Harper Jr., who is averaging 15.8 points per game, the Scarlet Knights are 1 game over .500 in conference play.
They’re also 6-5 against the spread (ATS) in Big Ten action, but just 1-3 ATS in the last 4. However, they are 10-2 straight up at home, so they play at a far higher level at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
As for Michigan State, it is among the best teams in the Big Ten, sitting a half game out of first place (behind No. 18 Illinois) and covering 3 of its last 4. The Spartans most recently failed to cover as 3.5-point road favorites in a 65-63 win at Maryland Tuesday. On the season, the Spartans are 12-8-1 ATS.
Michigan State, 6-4 ATS in Big Ten action, is led by F Gabe Brown, who averages 12.8 points per game.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Michigan State at Rutgers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:04 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Michigan State -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Rutgers +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Against the spread: Michigan State -1.5 (-120) | Rutgers +1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico now. IA, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Michigan State at Rutgers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 70, Rutgers 66
Money line
PASS.
The Spartans haven’t had a game decided by one point, win or lose, this season. Especially with late-game fouling, I’d prefer to take the better odds on the spread.
Against the spread
BET MICHIGAN STATE -1.5 (-120).
The Spartans are almost as good as it gets away from their home court. They’re 5-1 when on the road. That’s their same road ATS record, which is highly impressive.
Despite their strength at home, the Scarlet Knights are just 6-5-1 ATS on their home court. Rutgers lost its last home conference game 68-60 to Maryland, a team Michigan State just beat.
The Spartans average 6.7 more points per game than the Scarlet Knights, and their dynamic offense compared to quality defense from both teams could be the key difference in this ball game.
Over/Under
LEAN to the OVER 131.5 (-110).
While both teams are capable defensively, both still allow within a point of 65 points per game. With Michigan State pushing the pace and scoring more often, as the more talented side, it should dictate the pace.
The Spartans are 10-10-1 O/U, while the Scarlet Knights are 12-9 O/U. Michigan State is 6-4 O/U in Big Ten play.
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]