NCAAB Odds & Expert Betting Prediction: Michigan State vs. Minnesota

Written by on February 13, 2018

There was something of a seismic shift in the top 25 last week, as once again the top teams dominating the NCAAB odds week after week fell prey to lesser opponents. This season is proving to be something of a gauntlet for teams that are among the favorites to go all the way, and that has allowed bettors to cash in on some big upset wins over the course of the season. With only a couple of weeks left in the regular season, there is limited time remaining for the teams at or near the top to make a move that would land them in the coveted #1 spot when all is said and done. One team with a legitimate shot at landing in the top spot is the Michigan State Spartans, who have moved all the way up to #2 after all the drama of last week. The Spartans had a little stumble of their own earlier in the season but have since remained consistent to quietly move up the pack while the teams ahead of them faltered. Tuesday night will see them head to Minneapolis to face the College Basketball betting underdog Golden Gophers in a very winnable game.

Spartans vs. Golden Gophers NCAAB Odds & Expert Betting Prediction

  • When: Tuesday, February 13 at 9 PM EST
  • Where: Williams Arena, Minneapolis
  • TV: ESPN 2
  • Radio: 104.7 FM (Michigan State) / 1130 AM (Minnesota)
  • Live Stream: Watch ESPN
  • NCAAB Odds: Michigan State Spartans -10 (Over/Under at 150.5 points)

Team Records

  • All: Michigan State 24-3 / Minnesota 14-13
  • Home: Michigan State 17-1 / Minnesota 12-6
  • Away: Michigan State 7-2 / Minnesota 2-7
  • ATS: Michigan State 13-12-2 / Minnesota 10-16
  • Over/Under: Michigan State 15-11 / Minnesota 13-12

How to Bet Virginia at Miami College Basketball Lines & Game Info

Recent Head to Head (Last 10 Games)

  • Record: Michigan State leads 7-3
  • Score: Michigan State 70.20 / Minnesota 65.50
  • Field Goal Percentage: Michigan State 43.83 / Minnesota 41.39
  • Rebounds: Michigan State 36.50 / Minnesota 34.40
  • 3 Point Shots: Michigan State 61-188 / Minnesota 53-162
  • Steals: Michigan State 7.10 / Minnesota 4.80

Why consider the Spartans NCAAB Odds?

As mentioned earlier, the Spartans went through a stretch that saw them lose 2 of 3 in the early part of conference play. While some teams could have fallen apart at that time, Michigan State regrouped, and are now on an 8-game winning streak that has taken them all the way up to #2 in the nation, also helped by bad weeks for Villanova and Purdue. Michigan State actually played in role in the tough week that the Purdue Boilermakers had, beating them 68-65 over the weekend. There are some who suggest that this team is ranked a little too high given their weak non-conference schedule this season, but let’s not forget that they have gone 3-1 against top 10 teams in big games. The Spartans are top 25 in scoring and just outside that rank in points against per game. They are 13-12-2 ATS and 15-11 O/U this season.

Team Statistics

Offense
  • Total Score: 83.11
  • Field Goal Percentage: 51.62
  • Three-Point Percentage: 41.33
  • Free Throw Percentage: 73.92
  • Total Rebounds: 41.11
Defense
  • Total Score: 65.26
  • Field Goal Percentage: 36.29
  • Three-Point Percentage: 32.89
  • Free Throw Percentage: 72.03
  • Total Rebounds: 31.00

Why consider the Golden Gophers NCAAB Odds?

The Minnesota Golden Gophers come into this one with a 14-13 record, but it’s fair to suggest that their season went off the rails as soon as they started playing other teams in the Big 10. Minnesota Golden came into conference play with an 11-2 record, but have since gone 3-11, which includes their current 7-game losing skid. They have had 5 games against ranked opponents this season, winning only 1 and losing the other 4 in less than glorious fashion. Minnesota comes in as the underdog at the NCAAB Odds against Michigan State. The Golden Gophers are not that bad offensively, but they are way down the rankings on defense, giving up an average of 74.5 PPG, which is not good news when getting set to go against a Spartans team that can light it up when they are in sync. The Golden Gophers are a rather poor 10-16 ATS this season while going 14-12 O/U.

Team Statistics

Offense
  • Total Score: 77.22
  • Field Goal Percentage: 43.82
  • Three-Point Percentage: 34.91
  • Free Throw Percentage: 70.32
  • Total Rebounds: 39.56
Defense
  • Total Score: 74.48
  • Field Goal Percentage: 43.05
  • Three-Point Percentage: 36.27
  • Free Throw Percentage: 71.71
  • Total Rebounds: 37.74

Latest NCAAB Odds Trends

  • Michigan State is 0-3-2 ATS in its last 5 games
  • Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Michigan State’s last 17 games when playing Minnesota
  • Minnesota is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
  • Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 games

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

While this has the potential of being a trip-up game for the Spartans, it’s one that I think they will navigate quite smoothly with a double-digit win. Score: Michigan State Spartans 76 – Minnesota Golden Gophers 65