The Michigan State Spartans travel to Champaign for a battle against the Illinois Fighting Illini, who have lost their last two games. Will the Spartans add to Illinois’ woes? Or will the Fighting Illini ambush Michigan State at home? Check out our preview below of this Michigan State-Illinois Big Ten matchup.
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Betting Preview for the Michigan State Spartans vs Illinois Fighting Illini NCAA College Basketball Game on January 25 2022
Where: State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
When: Tuesday, January 25, 2022, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Michigan State Spartans (+5) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (-5) – view all 2022 NCAAB lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Michigan State Spartans (+5)
Record: 15-3 Overall/6-1 Conference
The Spartans got their moxie back, as they defeated the Wisconsin Badgers Saturday on the road, 86-74. Apart from a quality win, Michigan State also secured solo leadership in the Big Ten standings with that victory. Michigan State started that game like a house on fire, building up a massive lead in the first half and holding on to it when Wisconsin was making a run in the second half. The Spartans had their way on both ends of the floor, shooting 57 percent from the field and holding the Badgers to only 42.6 field goal percentage, while also finishing with a +19 on the rebounding battle. That rebounding will be key for Michigan State against Illinois, who’s arguably got the best big man in the nation in Kofi Cockburn – if he does even play. Moreover, Michigan State’s rim protection is a threat to Illinois., as the Spartans are tops in the conference with a 16.0 block percentage.
The over is 7-2-1 in Michigan State’s last 10 games overall.
Betting on the Illinois Fighting Illini (-5)
Record: 13-5 Overall/6-2 Conference
Kofi Cockburn’s status will be the most crucial thing for the Fighting Illini in this upcoming matchup against Michigan State. Cockburn missed the 81-65 road loss last Saturday to the Maryland Terrapins because of a concussion. If Cockburn can’t go again, the Fighting Illini will have to ask more from the likes of Alfonso Plummer, Trent Frazier, and Jacob Grandison. Plummer led the Fighting Illini with 18 points in the loss to Maryland, while Frazier and Grandison had 13 and 14 points, respectively. On the season, Illinois is averaging 79.3 points per game and is 30th in the nation with a 37.6 percent shooting from behind the arc. The Spartans have a pretty solid perimeter defense, but that shouldn’t deter the Fighting Illini from letting it fly. Plus, Michigan State just allowed the Badgers to shoot 12/29 from deep last Saturday.
Illinois is 6-4 against the spread in its last 10 games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Michigan State wins, 73-70.
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