Returning home won’t be much of a reprieve for No. 17 Michigan State, which has played four of its past five games on the road. The Spartans, who are 19-5 overall and 9-3 in Big Ten play, will take on No. 14 Wisconsin, which Michigan State upset 86-74 on the road earlier this season. The Spartans lead the all-time series with the Badgers 84-66 and are 50-15 all-time at home.
Wisconsin at Michigan State Stats
Looking at the Wisconsin stats
Wisconsin is led by its Naismith Award candidate Johnny Davis, who leads the team by averaging 20.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Senior guard Brad Davis is having the best season of his career, averaging 15.0 points per game and averaging 84 percent from the free-throw line. The Badgers’ offense isn’t flashy, averaging 71.2 points per game, which ranks 180th nationally.
Wisconsin has seen freshman point guards Chuck Hepburn and Lorne Bowman II start to show flashes of potential. The duo have combined for 52 points in Wisconsin’s past four games. Big man Steven Crowl also showcased his range in the Badgers’ last victory against Penn State Saturday, making a career-high three 3-pointers.
Looking at the Michigan State stats
Michigan State is looking to shake off the cobwebs following a disappointing, 21-point loss to unranked Rutgers on the road. The Spartans will go as far as their defense takes them. Michigan State the Big Ten in 3-point field goal defense, limiting their opponents to 29.9 percent shooting from the perimeter. The Spartans also lead the league in blocked shots, turning away 6.0 shots per game.
Senior forward Gabe Brown leads Michigan State by contributing 13.1 points per game. Guard Max Christie also scores in double figures, contributing 10.0 points per game. Forward Marcus Bingham junior helps Michigan State on the glass, pulling down 6.8 boards per game.
Betting Trends for Wisconsin at Michigan State
- Michigan State is 12-9-1 against the spread.
- Wisconsin is 12-10 against the spread.
- The over is 14-8 in the Badgers’ 22 games.
- The Spartans have seen the over go 11-10-1 in their games.
- Michigan State is 3-2 against the spread over its past five games.
Who to Bet Badgers at Spartans
Top sportsbooks have Michigan State as a 4-point favorite. The Spartans are -190 on the moneyline, while Wisconsin is +155. The over/under is set at 138.5 points. The Badgers haven’t looked right since their loss to Michigan State Jan. 21.
Wisconsin hasn’t covered the spread in its past five games, including two games — against Penn State and Minnesota — where the Badgers didn’t come close to covering as large favorites. Michigan State also tortured Wisconsin when the two teams met in Wisconsin.
With the Spartans getting embarrassed by Rutgers the last time out, expect Michigan State to bounce back quickly and cover the spread while protecting the home court.
If you love sports betting subscribe to our Insiders Betting Digest mailing list and receive free betting picks weekly.