The Michigan State Spartans (14-8, 6-5 Big Ten) battle the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-7, 7-4) Saturday. Tip from Madison Square Garden is set for noon ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Michigan State vs. Rutgers odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
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This will be the second and final battle between the conference foes. Michigan State won and covered the first meeting 70-57 at home, closing as a 3-point home favorite.
The Spartans have failed to cover in 3-straight games yet are 6-4 against the spread (ATS) over their last 10. They are 11-11 ATS on the season. Michigan State is coming off a 77-61 road loss to Purdue Sunday, closing as an 8-point road underdog.
The Scarlet Knights, on the other hand, beat Minnesota at home 90-55, covering as a 14.5-point home favorite. They are 7-3 ATS over their last 10 games. Rutgers is 15-7 ATS on the season. It ranks 4th in the nation in opponents’ field goal percentage (37.7%).
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Michigan State at Rutgers odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Michigan State +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Rutgers -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +4.5 (-115) | Rutgers -4.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 126.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Michigan State at Rutgers picks and predictions
Prediction
Rutgers 68, Michigan State 62
Moneyline
PASS.
Rutgers is a solid 13-2 at home, so these odds are justified. They are unplayable on both sides. Avoid the moneyline.
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Against the spread
BET RUTGERS -4.5 (-105).
The Scarlet Knights are the best team in the Big Ten at covering against conference opponents. They are 8-3 ATS against conference foes. Rutgers is 12-3 ATS at home this season as well.
Michigan State, on the other hand, is 6-5 ATS against Big Ten opponents. It has also failed to cover 3 straight games, 2 of which were on the road. It is 0-3 ATS in its last 3 road games.
Ultimately, back RUTGERS -4.5 (-105).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 126.5 (-115).
While both teams have top defenses, Rutgers’ offense has come alive as of late, scoring 86 points per game over their last 3.
The prior final total in the two program’s first matchup, 127, would top this as well. Michigan State is also 2-1 O/U in its last 3 and 4-3 O/U in its last 7 as well. MSU is 5-2 O/U on the road as well.
Back the OVER 126.5 (-115).
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