Something has to give in Sunday’s slate of college hoops action as two of the three teams still owning undefeated records in the Big Ten do battle with Michigan State traveling to face Ohio State.
Sportsbook opened the Spartans as 9-point road underdogs with a total of 144.
The Spartans have won 14 straight games, including a blowout win over Maryland on Thursday. Coach Tom Izzo’s crew ranks No. 1 in the country in field goal percentage defense (33.1), blocked shots (8.4 per game), field goal percentage (53.3) and assists (22.4). The Spartans’ offense features five players averaging 10 or more points.
Ohio State is close in that regard with four players averaging double digits in points, but junior forward Keita Bates-Diop leads the way at 19.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 blocked shots and 1.1 steals. The Buckeyes are 8-11 SU all-time against No. 1 ranked teams, with their last triumph over a top-ranked opponent coming in March of 2005 vs Illinois.
Betting on the underdog has been a poor idea when these teams have met over the years. In the last seven meetings between Ohio State and Michigan State, favorites are 7-0 ATS.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
College basketball betting odds makers at Sportsbook opened the Ohio State Buckeyes as 9-point underdogs in this matchup. Check for the latest spread and over/under total line at sportsbooks such as Sportsbook.
Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Ohio State Buckeyes sit at 12-4 (6-8 ATS) on the college basketball season. By comparison, the Michigan State Spartans are currently 15-1 (11-5 ATS). Looking to bet on the total points scored? Ohio State is 4-10 OU, and Michigan State is 10-6 OU.
It's a betting matchup between the No. 41-rated Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 2-ranked Michigan State Spartans, according to the latest pro hoops power rankings here at Odds Shark.
Statistical Matchup
Rebounding is always a key handicapping betting consideration and Michigan State is ranked No. 4 in NCAA basketball at 43.75 per game. Contrast that with Ohio State's No. 117 mark in the paint. When it comes to three-point shooting, Ohio State is the No. 177-ranked team in the country at 7.06 per game, while Michigan State rates No. 51 at 9.19 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The battle between the Spartans and Terrapins didnt turn out to be much of a battle at all as Maryland was handed a 91-61 defeat on Thursday at Breslin Center.
Ohio State got 27 points and 13 rebounds from Keita Bates-Diop en route to a 92-81 victory over Iowa on Thursday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Next Betting Matchups
Michigan State home to Rutgers, Wednesday, January 10th
Ohio State at Maryland, Thursday, January 11th