The Michigan State Spartans (13-2) travel to face off against the Northwestern Wildcats (10-5) on Sunday, January 12th. This game will be played at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston and televised on FOX. Michigan State is coming off a win in their previous game, while Northwestern is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Purdue. Tip-off is set for 12:00 ET.

Michigan State Spartans vs Northwestern Wildcats

The Spartans Are Coming Off A Win

Michigan State improved to 13-2 on the season with an 88-54 win over Washington on Thursday. The Spartans, who were -14 favorites, covered the spread, but the total points of 142 fell just short of the 144.5 O/U line.

Michigan State dominated early, leading 42-13 at halftime, but allowed 41 points in the 2nd half while scoring 46 of their own.

The Wildcats Are Coming Off A Win

Northwestern dropped to 10-5 on the season after a 79-61 loss to Purdue on Sunday. The Wildcats entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 140, just over the 138.5 O/U line.

Northwestern struggled early, trailing 41-18 at halftime, but showed some fight in the 2nd half, outscoring Purdue 43-38.

Spartans Offense Breakdown

Michigan State put up 88 points in their last game, shooting 52.5% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 59%. They hit 62.5% of their two-point attempts and 33.3% from beyond the arc, while also connecting on 94.4% of their free throws, going 17-for-18 from the line.

The Spartans dished out 24 assists, with Jeremy Fears Jr. contributing 10 of them. Jaden Akins led the team with 20 points, shooting 61.5% overall and 33.3% from three. Tre Holloman also hit 66.7% of his threes, finishing with 11 points and 6 assists.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern’s offense put up 61 points in their last game, shooting 38.3% from the field and 28% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 43.3%, and they connected on 8 of 12 free throws (66.7%).

Braden Smith led the way with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting 50% from the field and hitting 3 of 8 from beyond the arc. Angelo Ciaravino added 19 points, knocking down 3 of 7 threes, while Trey Kaufman-Renn contributed 12 points on 6 of 10 shooting.

Spartans Team Defense

Despite Michigan State’s defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 54 points. The Spartans allowed a 52% shooting performance, with 32 made field goals on 61 attempts.

Inside the arc, Michigan State’s defense gave up 25 two-point field goals on 40 attempts, a 62% conversion rate. From three-point range, their opponent hit 7 of 21 shots, shooting 33%. The Spartans also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 18 times, where they made 17 free throws, a 94% success rate. Michigan State allowed 9 offensive rebounds in the game.

Wildcats Team Defense

Even with Michigan State’s defense giving up 54 points, they struggled to contain the opposing offense, allowing them to shoot 52% from the field. The Spartans had particular trouble inside, where they gave up 25 two-point baskets on 40 attempts, a 62% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Michigan State’s defense allowed 7 threes on 21 attempts, with the opposition hitting 33% of their shots. The Spartans also sent the other team to the free-throw line 18 times, where they converted 17 for a 94% success rate. Michigan State gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.

Spartans vs Wildcats Trends

• In their last three road games, Michigan State has averaged 84 points per game while allowing 75. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-0 while going 3-0 vs. the spread.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Wildcats offense has averaged 67 points per game while allowing an average of 70. Northwestern posted an overall record of 3-7 while going 6-4 ATS.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 3-2.
• As the betting favorite, the Spartans have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 3-0.

Spartans vs Wildcats Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +2.5, we recommend going with the Wildcats on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 137.5, and our model predicts the Spartans and Wildcats to score a combined 145 points. We recommend betting on the over.

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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.