Michigan State vs Northwestern Prediction and Odds: Wildcats Look to Continue Strong Start to Season
Michigan State is riding a six-game winning streak heading into its third Big Ten matchup of the season. This time the Spartans will be taking on the Northwestern Wildcats, who enter the game 8-2 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten.
Michigan State has conference wins over Minnesota and Penn State, covering the spread in both contests. Northwestern upset Maryland in its only Big Ten game so far this season, beating them 67-61 back on December 5th.
Let's take a look at the odds via WynnBET for this afternoon's matchup.
Michigan State vs. Northwestern Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Michigan State -3 (-105)
- Northwestern +3 (-115)
Moneyline:
- Michigan State -150
- Northwestern +130
Total:
- 139.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Michigan State vs. Northwestern Betting Trends
- Michigan State is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games.
- The OVER is 4-1 in Michigan State's last five games.
- Michigan State is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games vs. Northwestern
- The UNDER is 11-5 in Northwestern's last 16 games.
- The UNDER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings between these teams.
Michigan State vs. Northwestern Prediction and Pick
Northwestern has looked impressive so far this season, and it hasn't been a fluke. The Wildcats are playing solid, fundamental basketball, and that will win you a lot of games at the collegiate level.
Northwestern has been one of the best defensive teams in the nation, and I expect that to be the difference maker today. It ranks 19th in defensive efficiency, and second among all teams in opponent two-point field goal percentage. This will prove to be key against a Michigan State team that gets the majority of its points down low.
Arguably the most impressive thing about Northwestern this season has been its ability to hang on to the ball. The Wildcats rank third in the country in turnovers per possession, coughing up the ball just 12.1% of the time. That's a stark contrast to Michigan State, which turns the ball over on 19.6% of possessions, 231st in college basketball.
I'll take Northwestern and the points at home.