Michigan State Spartans vs Ohio State Buckeyes NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/3/25
Betting on today’s Spartans and Buckeyes game? Catch the action at Value City Arena in Columbus, OH, as the Buckeyes hosts this showdown at 8:00 ET on FOX. The over/under for this Big Ten conference contest is set at 149.5 points, with Ohio State being favored by -1.5 at home against Michigan State.
MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS VS OHIO STATE BUCKEYES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes -1.5
This game will be played at Value City Arena at 8:00 ET on Friday, January 3rd.
WHY BET THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Buckeyes.
- Not only will Ohio State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Will Michigan State Shock Everyone at Value City Arena?
Michigan State improved to 11-2 on the season with an 80-62 win over Western Michigan on Monday. Playing at home, the Spartans were heavy favorites at -26.5 but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 142, falling short of the 148.5 O/U line.
Michigan State took control early, leading 37-24 at halftime. They scored 43 points in the 2nd half but allowed 38, which was more than they would have liked against a weaker opponent.
Michigan State put up 80 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.6%, with a strong 61.8% from two-point range, though they hit just 30% from beyond the arc, going 6-for-20.
At the free-throw line, the Spartans were nearly perfect, connecting on 20-of-22 attempts for 90.9%. They also dished out 20 assists, with Chansey Willis Jr. contributing 6 assists and 7 rebounds, while Carson Cooper added 6 boards and shot 83.3% from the field.
Even though Michigan State allowed 62 points, they struggled defensively, giving up 50% shooting from the field. The Spartans allowed their opponent to hit 61% of their two-point attempts, with 21 makes on 34 shots.
From beyond the arc, Michigan State’s defense held their opponent to 30% shooting, with 6 made threes on 20 attempts. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 20 of those attempts for 90%.
Will the Buckeyes Win at Value City Arena?
Ohio State improved to 9-4 on the season with a 103-83 win over Indiana State on Sunday. The Buckeyes were -18.5 favorites at home and covered the spread, while the combined 186 points went over the 158.5-point total.
Leading 52-47 at halftime, Ohio State clamped down defensively in the second half, allowing just 36 points while scoring 51 of their own.
Ohio State’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 103 points while shooting 55.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 62.3%, thanks in large part to their 67.5% shooting on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they hit 7 of 21 threes, good for 33.3%.
Bruce Thornton led the way with 33 points, hitting 4 of 7 from three and shooting 68.8% overall. Jaden Daughtry added 25 points in just 20 minutes, shooting 70% from the field. Samage Teel contributed 19 points and 5 assists, connecting on 3 of 5 threes.
Ohio State’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 83 points on 55% shooting from the field. The Buckeyes allowed their opponent to hit 67% of their two-point attempts, with 27 made shots inside the arc.
From three-point range, Ohio State’s defense held their opponent to 33% shooting, with 7 threes made. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 41 times, where they converted 28 attempts.