Michigan State vs. Mississippi State Picks and Predictions – Thursday, Mar. 21

Mar 15, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) reacts to a missed basket against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Target Center.
Image Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Michigan State Spartans vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Michigan State Spartans hit the road to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The Michigan State Spartans (19-14) are set to clash with the Mississippi State Bulldogs (21-13) in a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament matchup. With both teams on a one-game winning streak, the stage is set for a showdown that could hinge on key player performances and tactical execution.

Michigan State Spartans vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Odds Info

Moneyline: Michigan State Spartans -118 (BetRivers) / Mississippi State Bulldogs +105 (Barstool)

Spread: +1.0 – Michigan State Spartans -109 (BetRivers) / Mississippi State Bulldogs -110 (BetRivers)

Total: 130.5 – -110 (Ceasars) / -105 (Barstool)

Game Info

Date: Thursday, Mar. 21

Time: 11:15 AM

Location: Spectrum Center – Charlotte, NC

TV: CBS

Michigan State Spartans Betting Trends

  • On the road, Michigan State Spartans are 3 and 7 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Michigan State Spartans are 18 and 14.
  • Against the spread on the road, Michigan State Spartans are 5 and 7.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Trends

  • At home, Mississippi State Bulldogs are 11 and 4 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Mississippi State Bulldogs are 17 and 16.
  • Against the spread at home, Mississippi State Bulldogs are 9 and 8.

Michigan State Spartans vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Predictions

The Michigan State Spartans, led by guard Tyson Walker, who is averaging 18.2 points per game, are looking to leverage their recent performance and the coaching prowess of Tom Izzo to make a deep run in the tournament. Despite a rocky end to their regular season, the Spartans have shown resilience and are known for stepping up when it matters most. With a 10-10 conference record and a notable 73.1 average points per game, they’ll need to focus on their 95th-ranked field goal percentage to break down the Bulldogs’ defense.

Mississippi State, on the other hand, enters the contest with a solid 21-13 overall record, buoyed by the offensive talents of guard Josh Hubbard, who leads the team with 17.1 points per game. The Bulldogs have been formidable at home with an 11-4 record and will look to capitalize on their 135th-ranked field goal percentage and the physicality they bring to the court. Their top-60 national ranking in free-throw frequency could play a crucial role, especially in a close game where every point counts.

Defensively, both teams have their strengths, with Michigan State ranking 271st in average rebounds but making up for it with a strong assist game, standing 38th nationally. Mississippi State will counter with their 67th-ranked rebounding game and a defense that holds opponents to a 32.5% three-point shooting percentage. The battle in the paint and beyond the arc could very well decide the outcome of this game, making it a must-watch for NCAA basketball fans.

Michigan State Spartans vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Pick

The matchup between Michigan State Spartans and Mississippi State Bulldogs presents a compelling case for the under on the total line of 130.5. Both teams have demonstrated strong defensive capabilities throughout the season, with Mississippi State holding opponents to a mere 32.5% from beyond the arc and Michigan State not far behind in their defensive prowess. The Bulldogs’ physicality on the court and their ability to control the rebounding game, ranking 67th nationally, will likely slow down the pace of the game, making it difficult for the Spartans to find their rhythm offensively.

Furthermore, the recent betting trends for both teams support the under pick. Mississippi State has seen the under hit in 18 of their games this season, while Michigan State has also trended towards the under, with it hitting in 19 of their games. Given the high stakes of the NCAA Tournament and the typically slower pace of postseason play, it’s reasonable to expect a tightly contested game focused on defense rather than a high-scoring affair. The under is the smart pick here, considering the teams’ defensive statistics and the pressure of the tournament environment.

The Pick: Under 130.5 -110 (Ceasars)