Virginia is making their first trip to the Sweet 16 since 1995 but will do so as a rare No. 1-seeded underdog. That’s because they’ll face the No. 4 Michigan State Spartans, who are playing like the No. 1 seeds they would have been if not for injuries to their key players. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers have one of the best defenses in the country, one that will definitely test the Spartans’ championship mettle.
Who will come out on top in the semifinal of the East region? Read on for everything you need to know to bet this highly-touted March Madness game.
[sc:MarchMadness ]No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers vs. No. 4 Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
When: Friday, March 28, 9:57PM EST
Line: No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers (+2) at No. 4 Michigan State Spartans (-2); total 146.5 – view lines here
Betting on the Virginia Cavaliers
[sc:finalfour240 ]No. 1 Virginia curiously had more trouble beating No. 16 Coastal Carolina than it did No. 8 Memphis on its way to the Sweet 16. The Cavaliers built up a huge 15 point lead on the Tigers by halftime en route to a comfortable 78-60 win.
Virginia makes its hay with its defense, and they put on display against Memphis, allowing just 41% shooting and 3-13 from beyond the arc. Senior Joe Harris supplied the scoring with 16 points, while sixth man Anthony Gill continued his strong play with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Gill has now scored in double-figures in six straight games.
Virginia has the defense to corral the Spartans’ talented trio, but it’ll be the offense that makes or breaks its Elite Eight hopes. It bodes well that the Cavs have scored 70+ points in three straight games for the first time this year, and have shot well over 50% so far in the tournament.
Betting on the Michigan State Spartans
No. 4 Michigan State was given a slight scare by No. 12 Harvard, but the Spartans eventually pulled out the 80-73 win. Unfortunately, the seven-point win didn’t cover the 8.5-point spread as they lost ATS for the first time in their last seven games.
After his 41-point explosion against Delaware, Adreian Payne was limited to just 12 points against the Crimson. Instead, it was Branden Dawson who took over with a season-high 26 points. Gary Harris also chipped in with 18.
The Spartans will be facing a Virginia defense that’s one of the best in the country at defending two-pointers. That could mean a reduced role for Payne, and a bigger emphasis on three-point shooting. Michigan State was ranked within the top 20 in the country in three-pointers made and percentage this year.
Prediction
This game between two Final Four-calibre teams will be close and hard-fought, but the Spartans are a cut above the Cavaliers in terms of individual talent, and that will give Michigan State the edge it needs to advance and cover -2 and win.
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