The Michigan State Spartans (11-2) travel to face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes (9-4) on Friday, January 3rd. This game will be played at Value City Arena in Columbus and televised on FOX. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Buckeyes

The Spartans Are Coming Off A Win

Michigan State improved to 11-2 on the season with an 80-62 win over Western Michigan on Monday. The Spartans were -26.5 favorites heading into the game, but they didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 142, falling short of the 148.5 O/U line.

Michigan State led 37-24 at halftime and added 43 points in the second half, while Western Michigan scored 38 points after the break.

The Buckeyes Are Coming Off A Win

Ohio State improved to 9-4 on the season with a 103-83 home win over Indiana State on Sunday, December 29th. The Buckeyes entered the game as -18.5 point favorites and covered the spread, while the total points of 186 exceeded the over/under line of 158.5.

Leading 52-47 at halftime, Ohio State tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, holding Indiana State to 36 points while scoring 51 of their own.

Spartans Offense Breakdown

Michigan State put up 80 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 55.6%. They were dominant inside, hitting 61.8% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, making just 6 of 20 threes (30%).

At the free-throw line, the Spartans were nearly perfect, converting 20 of 22 attempts (90.9%). They also dished out 20 assists, with Chansey Willis Jr. contributing 6 assists to go along with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Jaden Akins led the team with 18 points, and Carson Cooper added 13 points, shooting 83.3% (5/6) from the field.

Buckeyes Offense Breakdown

Ohio State’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 103 points while shooting 55.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 62.3%, thanks in large part to their 67.5% shooting on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they hit 7 of 21 threes, connecting at a 33.3% rate.

Bruce Thornton led the way with 33 points, hitting 4 of 7 from deep and shooting 68.8% overall. Jaden Daughtry added 25 points in just 20 minutes, shooting 70% from the field. Samage Teel contributed 19 points and 5 assists, knocking down 3 of 5 threes.

Spartans Team Defense

Despite giving up 62 points, Michigan State’s defense allowed their opponent to shoot 50% from the field, including 61% on two-point attempts. The Spartans did manage to limit their opponent’s three-point shooting, holding them to 6/20 from beyond the arc.

From the free-throw line, Michigan State’s opponent was efficient, hitting 20 of 22 attempts for 90%. The Spartans also gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.

Buckeyes Team Defense

Despite Michigan State’s defensive struggles, allowing the opposition to shoot 50% from the field, the Spartans still held them to 62 points. The defense gave up 21 two-point baskets on 34 attempts, a 61% shooting percentage.

From beyond the arc, Michigan State’s defense allowed 6 threes on 20 attempts, a 30% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 20 free throws, shooting 90%.

Spartans vs Buckeyes Trends

• Michigan State has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 76 points per game while allowing 73. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
• Through their last ten home games, Ohio State has an ATS record of just 6-4. However, their overall record was 5-5 while averaging 71 points per game.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Michigan State has an ATS mark of 3-2 while going 1-4 straight up.
• The Buckeyes have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 3-0 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.

Spartans vs Buckeyes Prediction

We’re calling a win for the Buckeyes, with a final score of 77-69, and we’re taking them to cover the spread. Our recommendation is to bet on the Buckeyes at -1.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 149.5, and our model projects the Spartans and Buckeyes to reach a combined total of 146 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.