Penn State Nittany Lions vs Michigan State Spartans NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/15/25

Planning on watching today’s Nittany Lions and Spartans game? Catch the action at Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI, as the Spartans hosts this showdown at 7:30 ET on BTN. The over/under for this Big Ten conference contest is set at 155.5 points, with Michigan State being favored by -10.5 at home against Penn State.

PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS VS MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Penn State Nittany Lions +10.5

This game will be played at Breslin Center at 7:30 ET on Wednesday, January 15th.

WHY BET THE PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Spartans.
• Even though we have Michigan State winning straight-up, we like Penn State at +10.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 155.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.

Is an Upset Waiting to Happen on the Road?

Penn State fell to 12-5 on the season after a narrow 82-81 home loss to Oregon on Sunday. The Nittany Lions, who were +2.5 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread. The game’s total points reached 163, surpassing the over/under line of 155.5.

Penn State trailed 41-34 at halftime but came out strong in the second half, scoring 47 points while allowing 41. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t complete the comeback.

Penn State put up 81 points in their last game, shooting 45.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 50%. They hit 36.8% from three-point range, connecting on 7 of 19 attempts, and were strong at the free-throw line, making 12 of 14 for 85.7%.

Freddie Dilione led the way with 21 points in just 24 minutes, hitting 4 of 6 from deep. Nick Kern added 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Jackson Shelstad contributed 17 points and 8 assists, shooting 70% from the field and 60% from three.

Despite Penn State’s defensive efforts, they gave up 82 points, with their opponent shooting 45% from the field. The Nittany Lions allowed 24 two-point baskets on 49 attempts, a 49% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Penn State’s defense saw their opponent hit 7 threes on 19 attempts, a 36% success rate. They also sent the other team to the line 14 times, where they converted 12 free throws, shooting 85%.

Will Michigan State Win at Home?

Michigan State improved to 14-2 on the season with a 78-68 win over Northwestern on Sunday. The Spartans, who were -2 favorites, covered the spread in the road victory. The game’s total points of 146 exceeded the O/U line of 138.5.

Michigan State took control early, leading 47-28 at halftime. However, they allowed 40 points in the 2nd half while scoring 31, making the final score closer than it appeared at halftime.

Michigan State put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field and hitting 50% from beyond the arc, going 4-for-8 on threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.7%, and they connected on 74.1% of their free throws, making 20 of 27 attempts.

Nick Martinelli led the way with 27 points, shooting 44.4% overall and 33.3% from three. Jeremy Fears Jr. added 12 points, shooting 80% from the field and dishing out 8 assists. The Spartans finished with 18 assists and 10 offensive rebounds as a team.

Michigan State’s defense put up a strong performance, holding their opponent to 68 points on 35% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the opposition hitting 16 of 34 shots for 47%.

From beyond the arc, Michigan State’s defense was particularly effective, as they allowed just 5 threes on 25 attempts, a 20% shooting rate. However, they sent their opponent to the free-throw line 27 times, where they converted 21 for 77%.