Northwestern vs Michigan State Prediction 1/12/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Northwestern vs Michigan State Prediction for this college basketball game on Sunday, January 12th, at the Welsh-Ryan Arena. Let’s take a look at a Northwestern Wildcats vs. Michigan State Spartans Pick. 

Northwestern is Suddenly Struggling

Northwestern is suddenly struggling heading into this game and they have lost two in a row. Two games ago against Penn State, they ended up losing 84-80 and in the last game against Purdue they ended up losing 79-61. At halftime, they were down 41-18 and although they came back a little bit in the second half, it was too late. Angelo Ciaravino was the top player putting up 19 points and four rebounds. The offense wasn’t bad in the second half, they just got out to such a slow start it didn’t really matter. The last win for Northwestern came three games ago against Northeastern and they ended up winning 85-80. 

Northwestern on the season is averaging 74.1 points while their defense is giving up 66.2 points per game. The offense is ranked 216th in the league while the defense is ranked 54th. In this game, if they want a chance in this game the defense is going to need to be good. They are also going to need to get out to a fast start. Nick Martinelli has been the top player for this team averaging 19.4 points while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Michigan State Has Confidence 

Michigan State has a ton of confidence right now and they dominated the last game. They faced off against Washington on Thursday and they gave up only 54 points while the offense scored 88 points and that was enough for the win. Jaden Akins had a huge game putting up 20 points, three rebounds, and one assist. There were four different players that put up at least 12 points. Two games ago against Ohio State, Michigan State was able to secure a 69-62 victory. 

Michigan State is averaging 81.5 points while their defense is giving up 65.9 points per game. The offense is ranked 55th in the league while the defense s ranked ranked 36th in the league. They are averaging 18.8 free throws per game which is 13th best in the league. Jaden Akins is having a strong season averaging 14.1 points while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 27.6 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Northwestern vs Michigan State Prediction

These are two teams heading in different directions, and it’s going to be very clear here. The Northwestern defense hasn’t been great heading into this game, but in this game, it’s going to be the offense that will let them down. Michigan State’s defense is going to step up early in this game, and Nebraska’s offense is going to really struggle to get anything going here. They won’t be able to fight back in the second half and it’s going to be Michigan State will cruise. Back Michigan State against the spread.