Spartans vs Golden Gophers CBB Basketball Spread/Handicapping
They aren’t dominating teams or the headlines but the Spartans are in good shape entering Big Ten conference play. They have won 6 in a row including a solid victory against Texas on the weekend. The Big Ten is really tough and winning on the road is going to be a challenge.
#19 Michigan State Spartans (11-2) vs #14 Minnesota Golden Gophers (12-1)
Monday December 31
Williams Arena – Minneapolis, MN
2:00PM
Moneyline: No ML currently listed
Spread: Minnesota -6 at GTBets
O/U: 127.5
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Michigan State
Michigan State is still looking for leadership on the floor as this team searches for a stronger identity.
Draymond Green was such a good leader for this team the past few years it would have been unfair for another to pop up as soon as he left campus.
The Spartans are solid at point guard with Keith Appling, who leads the team in points and assists, but he lack the intensity to make this team go. Another possibility is freshman guard Gary Harris who is second on the team in scoring but
I can’t recall a Spartans team that looked to a frosh in that way.
Still they have a very nice backcourt.
The Spartans are a lousy 3-7 ATS this year including 0-2 in their true road contests.
They have owned the Gophers of late though, winning the last 4 and 9 of 10 while posting an 8-2 ATS record. There is no reason they can not grab a road underdog victory but there is a reason they are in that role. Minnesota is pretty good. [ad-6571516]
Minnesota
The strong play of the Gophers in the nonconference is one of the reason the Big Ten is looking so strong right now.
The Gophers only loss is to Duke and they have a nice wins against name program like Florida State, Stanford, Xavier and Memphis. This is a stingy defensive team that has good experience and some star power.
They are going to be a threat every night in their conference battles.
Those stars are forwards Rodney WIlliams and Trevor Mbakwe. Williams is the team’s leading scorer and with his freakish athleticism he always good for a Sportscenter highlight.
Mbakwe is back for a sixth year and has struggled to get things going this season. Last year he nearly averaged a double-double and they need his muscle in the paint.
The backcourt of Hollins, Hollins and Coleman (not a law firm) is vastly underrated.
Minnesota is 7-4 ATS but as the expectations have risen they have not losing their last two ATS despite collecting easy SU victories.
The one factor not to be overlooked tonight is that there might not be as much home court advantage in this one as usual.
It is New Year’s Eve and most of the students are home on holidays to boot.
That only helps the visitors.
Spread Pick: MIchigan State +6
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Minnesota 70 – Michigan State 67
