March Madness betting players have seen Michigan State spiral out of control from a Final Four contender to a possibility of missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1997, and a loss in the first round of the Big Ten tournament would surely be the final nail in the coffin. The Spartans face off against Iowa, and this rubber match won’t be easy to get through.
Iowa vs. Michigan State Betting – Thursday, 4:30 PM ET
The Hawkeyes (11-19, 4-14) lost six in a row before a major upset of Purdue at home, and they could use that big win to gain some momentum for this game. They’ll need it because the Hawkeyes aren’t a good team, ranking 207th in points scored and 186th in points allowed. Matt Gatens is one of three players to average in double figures for the Hawkeyes, who do shoot a decent 44.1% from the field, but only 31.1% from the three-point line. If the Hawkeyes were an online horse betting option, they would be a longshot but at the same time, they have nothing to lose and can play relaxed.
On the other hand, the Spartans (17-13, 9-9) have everything to lose in this game, and it’s been a weird season in East Lansing. It began with a brutal non-conference schedule, while guard Kalin Lucas had to battle back from another injury, and fellow guard Korie Lucious was kicked off the team. The Spartans still rebound well and they block shots, but they’re not as good defensively as they normally are, ranking 147th in points allowed, and they’re terrible at defending the three-point shot, ranking 280th in three-point defense.
We’re going to bet 5dimes that the Spartans will be the favorites in this Big Ten clash, as they are 4-1 SU and 2-3 ATS in their last five meetings with the Hawkeyes. Their two meetings this year were both routs as Iowa won by 20 at home on February 2nd, while the Spartans avenged that with a 19-point victory at their place a month later. The Spartans still have enough talent to beat the Hawkeyes, but they’ve played well below their standards this season. Lucas, in particular, has to take this team on his back and lead the way, but freshman Keith Appling scored 18 in the win at East Lansing, and if he doesn’t, someone else will have to step up. The Spartans have a size advantage in the post as well, and they should use that to maximize their chances. The Hawkeyes are going to give the Spartans a scare and this will be a close game, but we’re sticking with Michigan State in our best online sportsbook.
