The Wisconsin Badgers are riding high with a season-high seven-game winning streak, and they’ll be putting that run on the line against a familiar foe in the form of the eighth-ranked Michigan State Spartans. Both programs met last month, as the Badgers came away with the thrilling upset win, 77-76. But can they pull it off in front of a hostile crowd in East Lansing?
Read on below for a detailed look at this Big Ten showdown. And if you’re craving for some more college basketball action, you can check out our previews of the Maryland Terrapins vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans Preview
Where: Breslin Center, East Lansing
When: Thursday, February 18, 2016, 9:00 PM ET
Line: Wisconsin Badgers (+9.5) at Michigan State Spartans (-9.5)– view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Wisconsin Badgers (16-9, 8-4 Big Ten)
They’ll now attempt to keep rolling when they travel to East Lansing for an intriguing encounter with the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans.
During their previous meeting on January 17, the Badgers were the ones who emerged victorious thanks to a clutch basket from Ethan Happ with only 10 seconds remaining in regulation. But he wasn’t the only one worth mentioning in that game as the pair of Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig also made some noise by scoring 52 points combined.
As for tonight’s game, expect Hayes and Koenig to try and replicate that performance. Hayes, in particular, should have a better chance of doing so since he’s been on a groove lately. The junior forward is posting 20.6 points on 44.6 percent shooting during their win streak. That stretch includes his 31-point outburst opposite Indiana on January 26.
Also, Brown could provide another solid outing in this one. He’s scored in double-figures in his past three games and is shooting a sizzling 65.5 percent from the field in that span. However, he and the rest of the Badgers might be forced out of their comfort zones against a formidable Spartans’ defense (63.8 points allowed per game).
Wisconsin is 5-5 SU and ATS in its last 10 games on the road.
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Betting on the Michigan State Spartans (21-5, 8-5 Big Ten)
After a heart-breaking loss to Purdue, the eighth-ranked Michigan State Spartans unleashed their fury on Indiana with a resounding 88-69 win during Valentine’s Day. And fittingly so, it was none other than Denzel Valentine who shined brightest with game-highs of 30 points and 13 assists to lead the attack for the Spartans.
Now, Valentine and co. will hope to deliver that same effort when they welcome the Wisconsin Badgers into Breslin Center tonight. Revenge will definitely be on the minds of the Spartans, who are probably still feeling the effects of their gut-wrenching loss to the Badgers last month.
In order for the Spartans to win this one, their defense, which has been relatively solid this season, has got to be at its best form. They’ll be coming up against a Wisconsin squad that’s scored 70 or more points in its past three contests.
As for the offense, Valentine will be looking to Bryn Forbes and Matt Costello to help him pile up the points. Both players have had their share of good moments throughout the year, averaging 14.0 and 10.3 points, respectively.
Costello, in particular, will be coming off his best performance of the season against the Hoosiers. In that game, he delivered 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while going 10-of-12 from the field. Costello also had 18 points and 13 boards during their last bout with Wisconsin.
Michigan State is 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS in its previous 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Spartans win (-9.5) win, 84-79.
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