Michigan State vs Northwestern CBB Picks
The Spartans are perfect in B10 play but it has taken back to back wins in overtime to get there. [ad-4468020]
Michigan State Spartans (15-1) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (8-9)
Wednesday January 15
Welsh-Ryan Arena – Evanston, IL
7:00PM
Moneyline: No moneyline currently listed
Spread: MSU -11
O/U: 129.5
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
ATS Matchup Insight | CP Insider Gambling Preview
Michigan State
The first over Ohio State was to be expected as these two programs really get after each other but Minnesota was a surprise, even if they did wind up winning by 12 and covering a 10.5 spread in the proces.
Right now nobody in the conference is playing better but MSU has some very tough road games on the horizon. This is just not likely to be one of them.
With big man Adrien Payne out against Minnesota the team really relied on PG Keith Appling – the senior made 15 of 16 free throws on the way to a game high 24 points. With some extra minutes available in the frontcourt Kenny Kaminski stepped forward and made 5 three balls (out of 7).
[ad-6571516]
If he can be a light it up guy from deep that this team can be even more dynamic than it already is. That lights out shooter is what they have been missing.
Michigan State is 3-1 ATS in true road games including their first two away games of the conference season.
This is a battle tested group that doesn’t get phased by much and should have little trouble handling the Wildcats who have some talent but not enough to compete with the elite teams in the conference.
Northwestern
It is the first year of the Chris Collins era and they got a nice win over state rival Illinois.
It might not have been the prettiest effort given that neither team scored even 50 points but after three straight losses to open conference play the Wildcats will take it. Things do not get any easier with the Spartans coming to town.
Michigan State can play slow if that is what NW wants but I don’t think you can beat them that way, at least Northwestern can’t.
The Wildcats definitely have one player that can play for any team in the conference in wing Drew Crawford.
Coming back for his 5th season he is leading the team in scoring and rebounding, though he is not shooting it great. After Crawford there are a bunch of players who contribute but the most intriguing is 7 foot center Alex Olah.
He scored 23 against Wisconsin in a loss and has increased his numbers across the board. He has the potential to be really good if he continues to develop.
Northwestern has been killing bettors this season but a lot of that has been on the road where they are 1-4 ATS.
Even though they are catching a break with Adrien Payne unlikely to play they are still lacking enough around Crawford to really mount a challenge unless Michigan State is looking ahead.
Spread Pick: N/A
O/U Pick: N/A
Score Prediction: Michigan State 68 – Northwestern 55
