Loyola-Chicago vs. Michigan State Prediction and Odds: Value on the Under

Tom Izzo and Michigan State head to the Bahamas to take part in a loaded Battle 4 Atlantis field. The team is set to face a stiff opponent in the first round, Loyola Chicago.

The Ramblers may have a new coach, Drew Valentine, but the team hit the ground running this season, blitzing four weak opponents (each outside the top 190 in KenPom this year) by an average margin of victory of more than 30 points per game.

The Spartans have faced a more difficult schedule, going to Butler and Kansas on a neutral site, so will that pay off in this matchup?

Here are the odds, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Michigan State vs. Loyola Chicago Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Michigan State -3 (-105)
• Loyola Chicago +3 (-115)

Moneyline:

• Michigan State -150
• Loyola Chicago +130

Total: 139 (Over -105/Under -115)

Michigan State vs. Loyola Chicago Pick and Prediction

The Ramblers have been destroying teams, but Michigan State poses their first true Tournament caliber opponent, and I believe their offense is set to struggle. Valentine's team will not be able to post their season averages from the field against the length of Sparty's defense.

Through four games, the Ramblers have the second best effective field goal percentage in the country at over 63% while also posting the sixth highest assist rate. There is a lot to like with this team moving forward, they are sure to be in the mix for the NCAA Tournament yet again, but I believe we see both defenses show up in the first game at the Battle 4 Atlantis.

Loyola's D is legit as well, but they may struggle with the size of Sparty, namely Marcus Bingham down low. While Michigan State lacks a ton of elite shot making they may have the advantage inside, where they are scoring more than 58% of their points behind senior seven footer Marcus Bingham.

This leads me to an under play in this matchup. I don't believe Loyola is going to shoot at this absurd clip against a strong Big Ten defense, but I don't buy the Michigan State is going to run wild on the other end.

I'd play this under just a little bit further down to 137.5

PICK: UNDER 137.5