Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Cyclones 2/12/2023 Best Picks, Tips and Predictions
The Michigan State Spartans will face off against the Ohio State Cyclones in a highly anticipated NCAAB showdown on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET at the Value City Arena in OH. After a hard-fought 63-58 victory over Maryland, the Spartans look to continue their winning ways. A.J. Hoggard was a force to be reckoned with, just missing a triple-double with 20 points and two assists, while Joey Hauser contributed 20 points of his own.
According to Bracketology, the Spartans are expected to earn an eight-seed in the NCAA tournament, but they will need to improve their road performance, having only won twice in six away games this season. Despite this, the Spartans are considered a strong team in college basketball, ranking 42nd in the nation according to KenPom.
Michigan State’s deliberate playing style is reflected in their adjusted tempo ranking of 291st in the country. However, its offense is a potent weapon, ranking third in the Big Ten and among the top in the nation with a 37.3% three-point shooting percentage. The Spartans also defend well, holding opponents to a 41.0% shooting average, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten and 46th nationally. Additionally, their focus on limiting their opponents’ three-point shots is paying off, as they rank second in the conference and fifteenth in the nation in opponent field goal percentage defense at 29.4%.
- Michigan State is 11-5 ATS in their last 16 matches with the Cyclones.
- The Michigan State Spartans are 11-4 SU in their last 15 games against Ohio State.
- The Spartans are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games on the road.
Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Cyclones 2/12/2023 Best Picks, Tips and Predictions
The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the season with high hopes, but their current five-game losing streak and 10 losses in 11 games have taken them by surprise. In their latest setback, a 69-63 loss to Northwestern, the Buckeyes’ usually potent offense continued to struggle, with only a 7.1% three-point shooting rate. Justice Sueing had a standout performance, leading the team with 19 points.
Despite playing at a slower pace, the Buckeyes have maintained a strong scoring average of 75.0 points per game, ranking fourth in the tough Big Ten. However, in their last five games, their offense has faltered, averaging only 64.4 points per game and failing to reach 70 in any of those contests.
On the defensive end, the Buckeyes rank tenth in the Big Ten, allowing 68.0 points per game. Their three-point defense has been impressive, limiting opponents to a 31.0% shooting rate, ranking 48th in the nation. Overall, they surrender 41.6% shooting to opponents. The Buckeyes’ recent struggles have all but eliminated their chances of advancing to the NCAA tournament, and they will likely need a miracle run in the Big Ten tournament to secure a spot in the Big Dance. Despite their struggles, the Buckeyes are still considered a top-tier team, rated 38th in the nation by KenPom.
- Ohio State is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home against Michigan State.
- The Cyclones are 1-10 SU in their last 11 games with a rival in the Big Ten conference.
- The Ohio State Cyclones are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games played in February.
Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Cyclones. The NCAAB pick for this game is the Michigan State Spartans. Given Ohio State’s recent struggles on offense, characterized by their inability to score due to either turnovers or poor outside shooting, it would be difficult to back the Buckeyes against another strong defense, particularly on their home court. The Spartans, who have held three of their last four opponents to 61 or fewer points, are a formidable defense themselves, and the top-ranked team in the country presents the only exception to this trend.
Over the past month, the Buckeyes have been unable to secure a win or cover, and there have been no indications that this trend will change. As such, the Michigan State Spartans are the safer pick, with a predicted final score of 69-67.
NCAAB Starting Time: 1:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Value City Arena, OH
Date: Sunday, February 12, 2023
TV: CBS
NCAAB Odds: Michigan State Spartans +3.5
NCAAB Totals: 137