Published Mar 6, 6:09pm ET by
Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 6, 6:09pm ET
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Updated Mar 6, 6:09pm ET
Michigan State and Michigan clash this week for the second time this season. The Spartans came up short at home in the first meeting, and now face an even tougher challenge on the road at Michigan.
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| Michigan Wolverines | -155 |
| Michigan State Spartans | +125 |
Michigan State is currently projected to receive a 2-seed in the latest Bracketology projections. Their 15-4 record in Big-10 play proves their ability, but the Spartans allowed their rivals to get the best of them when they met five weeks ago. With a goal of splitting the season series and aiming for a rise to the 1-seed line, Michigan State will need to find a second gear on offense to win this game. Their offense currently ranks 30th overall.
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The Wolverines are all but locked into a 1-seed, boasting 21 wins in Quads 1 and 2 thanks to a top-5 strength of schedule. Michigan's dominance against that schedule has resulted in the strongest strength of record in the country. Even if they were to lose the next two games and enter the tourney at 28-4, they would still earn a 1-seed. Still, despite the relative lack of importance in this game, Michigan will be looking to sweep their rivals.
After winning the first matchup on the road by 12 points, Michigan should be poised to win the rematch at home by an even larger margin. That being said, rivalry games are often hard-fought, closely contested matchups. Expect Michigan State to clamp down on defense and keep this game at least as close as the previous matchup. Ultimately, Michigan should still pull away and get the victory, improving to 29-2 overall.
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Pick
Michigan Wolverines (-155)
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