Minnesota vs Michigan State 12/8/21 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Michigan State Spartans and the Minnesota Golden Gophers meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Williams Arena. Michigan State is 7-2 thus far and coming off a win over Toledo. As for Minnesota, they’re rolling along at 7-0. The Gophers took out Mississippi State in their last game. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Michigan State lost to Kansas in their opener this year, then rattled off wins over Western Michigan, Butler, Eastern Michigan, Loyola and UConn. The Spartans then lost to Baylor before wins over Louisville and Toledo. 

Back on Saturday in the Toledo game, Michigan State posted a 43-23 halftime lead. Despite getting outscored 45-38 from there the Spartans took home the 81-68 win. Max Christie led the team with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. 

Over on the Minnesota side, it’s been smooth sailing so far—outside of a few close calls. Over their first seven games, the Gophers have dispatched UMKC, Western Kentucky, Princeton, Fort Wayne, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh and Mississippi State. 

In the Mississippi State matchup, the Gophers posted a 35-32 edge in the first half and a 46-44 run from there on the way to an 81-76 win. Minnesota’s top scorer was Payton Willis with 24 points, seven assists and four boards. 

The Gophers are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 at home and 4-1 ATS in their last five after an ATS win. Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in their last five Wednesday games. 

Meanwhile, the Spartans are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games and 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight overall. Michigan State is 3-1-1 ATS in their last five Wednesday games. 

PICK: I’m going with Michigan State. You could make a good case the other way, though. The Spartans have looked pretty good most of the year, especially against teams they should beat. Michigan State is coming off a nice outing versus Toledo, where they shot 40 percent from the floor with 43 rebounds and 22 assists. 

As for the Gophers, they’ve been playing it tight over their last two games. Both were decided by five points or fewer. This will be the toughest test of Minnesota’s season so far. I like the Gophers to hang around and really push the Spartans here, but I think it’s Michigan State’s cover if they play well.