Northwestern Wildcats (20-9) vs. Michigan State Spartans (17-12)
March 6, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Michigan State Spartans -8.5; Over/Under: +136.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Northwestern Wildcats will play the Michigan State Spartans in a Big Ten game on Wednesday night at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the Northwestern preview, Michigan State preview, betting matchup, and the Northwestern vs Michigan State prediction.
Northwestern Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 20-9 (11-7) this season after they lost to Iowa by a score of 87-80 in their last game. Northwestern led 37-36 at the half, but they were out scored 51-43 in the second half for the loss. The Wildcats shot 53.8% from the field and made 10 three pointers in the game. Northwestern had won their previous three games against Maryland, Michigan, and Indiana. The Wildcats are scoring 74.4 points per game with 31.2 rebounds per game and 15.8 assists per game, while giving up 69.6 points against per game this year. Boo Buie is averaging 18.9 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 5.3 assists per game. Northwestern is shooting 46% from the field, 74.9% on free throws, and 39.3% on three pointers this season.
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Michigan State Preview
The Michigan State Spartans are 17-12 (9-9) this year after they lost to Purdue by a score of 80-74 in their last game. Michigan State trailed 38-35 at halftime and they allowed 42 second half points in the loss. The Spartans shot 39.1% from the field and were -3 in rebounding margin in the game. Michigan State has also lost to Ohio State and Iowa during this three game losing streak. The Spartans are scoring 74.4 points per game with 34.4 rebounds per game and 16.5 assists per game, while allowing 66.5 points against per game this season. Tyson Walker is averaging 18 points per game, 2.9 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game. Michigan State is shooting 46.8% from the field, 70.6% on free throws, and 37% on three pointers this year.
Northwestern vs Michigan State Betting Prediction
Michigan State comes into this game on a three game losing streak and they need to pick up a win very badly, as they are starting to slide down on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans played pretty well against Purdue over the weekend, but had two very bad games against Ohio State and Iowa before that. Northwestern is also looking to bounce back after a loss, but they are sitting at 11-7 in conference play and are currently third in the conference. These two teams are very similar when looking at the season stats, but MSU has been the slightly better defensive team. Michigan State has not looked right in recent games and I think this is too many points to lay. Take Northwestern here.
