Wisconsin at Michigan State 2012 College Basketball Picks: Michigan State was able to pull off a big road upset against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday and look to continue their late season run with a win over 15th ranked Wisconsin when they return to East Lansing for this crucial Big Ten battle. The Spartans are co-leaders in the Big Ten with a 9-3 conference mark while Wisconsin is one game back with four conference losses. The winner of tonight’s game will collect its 20th win this season, both currently locked at 19. ESPN will provide television coverage with tip-off set for 7 pm ET.
The Spartans will be difficult to beat at home and oddsmakers know that too. Online sportsbook TopBet.com opened betting with the Spartans as 6-chalk favorites with a 117 (over/under) total. Badgers backers are getting +200 College Basketball Odds to pull off a SU upset while the moneyline price on Michigan State is -260 ($260 wager to win $200).
The Spartans are coming off a big road win at No. 3 Ohio State, but there is no time to let up as they are facing a Badger team that might be the hottest team in the conference, having won seven of its last eight. The game features the top two defenses in the conference.
Michigan State is 5-3 against ranked opponents this season, including road wins over No. 23 Gonzaga, No. 18 Wisconsin, and No. 3 Ohio State and a home wins over No.13 Indiana and No.23 Michigan. In MSU’s five wins over ranked opponents, the Spartan defense has been outstanding, holding opponents to 58.8 points on .369 shooting. Offensively, Draymond Green (17.8 ppg) and Keith Appling (14.6 ppg) pace the Spartans in wins over ranked opponents. The five wins over ranked opponents tie MSU with Missouri, Ohio State and Notre Dame for the most in the nation.
Wisconsin leads the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 50.3 points per game … The Badgers also pace the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage defense (.267) and rank second in field-goal percentage defense (.368). In Big Ten games, Jordan Taylor ranks fifth in the conference in scoring (17.0 ppg). Wisconsin has won four straight Big Ten road games. Under Bo Ryan, the Badgers are 71-2 when holding teams below 50 points.
The Badgers will keep it close in this road game. My Pick Wisconsin +6.
The 2011-12 College Basketball Season is now in full swing as schools have begun the battle for conference championships in pursuit of March Madness. College sports handicapper Reno Gold will be making College Basketball Odds picks through all of March Madness and the NCAA Tournament. The good news for college sports bettors – RENO’S PICKS ARE FREE. Check daily for Reno Gold’s opinion on all the top games each week for free. We also encourage you to sign up to get Free NCAA Basketball Picks now!
