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Michigan State vs. Penn State Prediction and Odds (Spartans Perimeter Defense Will Prove Valuable)

By Iain MacMillan

Michigan Sate and Penn State will face-off for the second time this season.
Michigan Sate and Penn State will face-off for the second time this season. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA
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Michigan State and Penn State will meet for the second time this season in Tuesday night Big Ten college basketball action. The Spartans got the better of the Nittany Lions in their first matchup, downing them 80-64 on Dec. 11. Now, they hit the road to take on Penn State at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Penn State will try to snap its three game-losing streak, while Michigan State looks to make it two wins in a row in Big Ten play.

Let's take a look at the odds via WynnBET for tonight's matchup.

Michigan State vs. Penn State Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Michigan State -2.5 (-110)
  • Penn State +2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Michigan State -150
  • Penn State +125

Total:

  • 129.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Michigan State vs. Penn State Betting Trends

  • The OVER is 10-5 in Michigan State's last 15 games.
  • Michigan State is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games vs. Penn State.
  • Michigan State is 5-2 ATS in its last seven road games.
  • Penn State is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games.
  • Penn State is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games.

Michigan State vs. Penn State Prediction and Pick

This is a great stylistic matchup for Michigan State, and I have no problem laying the points with them as road favorites.

Penn State ranks 76th in 3-point shot rate, with 42.5% of their shots coming from beyond the arc. 36.3% of their total points scored also come from 3-point land, which is the 58th highest mark in the country. With that in mind, looking at Michigan State's perimeter defense is going to give us a big clue in who we should bet on. The Spartans rank 25th in opponent three-point field goal percentage (29.7%), so the advantage goes towards Michigan State.

Michigan State is also an overall better defensive team, ranking 63rd in defensive efficiency compared to Penn State at 211th.

The Spartans have run into turnover issues, but with the Nittany Lions also ranking 232nd in coughing up the ball, that stat should be we a wash tonight.

Pick: Michigan State -2.5

Iain is 63-57-2 (+2.63 units) with his college basketball bets this 2021-22 season. You can find his detailed record for the 2022 calendar year here.

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