If there is one constant in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, it’s Michigan St. head coach Tom Izzo getting wins.
The Michigan St. Spartans advanced comfortably over the Mississippi St. Bulldogs in the Round of 64. They now face the top seed in the West Region, the North Carolina Tar Heels. UNC disposed of No. 16 Wagner to move on.
Get ready for this Round of 32 matchup with the The Game Day. Read on for our prediction and best bet, as well as top sportsbook offers to build your bankroll by wagering on Michigan St. vs UNC.
No. 9 Michigan St. vs No. 1 UNC Odds
Odds current as of Mar. 22 via DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Spread: Michigan St. +4 (-112) • UNC -4 (-108)
- Moneyline: Michigan St. (+145) • UNC (-175)
- Total: Over 140.5 (-108) • Under 140.5 (-112)
DraftKings is giving Sparty respect. Izzo led the Spartans to a win, his 57th in the tourney in his 26th consecutive appearance.
Michigan St. vs UNC Prediction
Never count out the Spartans, especially when leadership is an important quality in surviving and advancing in this single elimination tournament.
In order to survive and advance, Michigan St. has to find their shot early. Their ability to protect the ball tied with UNC’s lackluster turnover rate on defense means the 9-seed has a chance to get looks. They’ll also have to play their game like a meal cooks in a crock pot – low and slow.
The Tar Heels have the advantage at both ends of the court, but cannot take Michigan St. lightly. The Spartans dominated Miss St. on the boards, especially on the defensive end. That’s a UNC staple with Armando Bacot and Jae’Lyn Withers. The two combined for 25 rebounds against Wagner, Michigan St. had 26 rebounds total in their win.
Michigan St. vs UNC Best Bet
Under 140.5 Points at DraftKings Sportsbook (-112)
Neither team is going to run the floor consistently in my opinion, but UNC’s higher tempo puts their transition game in the spotlight. Their athleticism and talent supersedes anything the Spartans have, even with a Hall-of-Fame coach in tow.
Michigan St.’s offense has been non-existent too often this season, and their 305th-ranked pace says that even a double-digit deficit won’t equate to them suddenly pushing the ball for quick buckets.
The Spartans can use their experience (3 players 23 years of age) as a way to keep the ball, but overall the lack of offensive talent will be their downfall.
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