With the football season finished, it’s time to focus on the hardwood as the spotlight now falls on college football and the build up to March Madness. Two teams that could be a big factor when the tournament comes around are two Big Ten powerhouses: Michigan State and Purdue. Those two teams will get reacquainted on Tuesday in a Top 25 matchup that will take place at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. Home court advantage could be key for the Spartans as they are 13-0 on their own court to this year.
Purdue Boilermakers @ Michigan State Spartans
Online Betting Odds: Michigan State -3
The Purdue Boilermakers went through a rough stretch earlier this year and they will be very familiar with what the Michigan State Spartans are currently enduring.
The Spartans have lost two straight games and right now, the top team in the Big Ten is slipping. They started the year 9-0, which is the best start in school history, then they followed it up with two straight losses, which has provided a reality check.
Sparty lost to Wisconsin in blowout fashion and then fell to Illinois as well. Now they are back at home and have some questions to answer.
The Spartans may be without the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, Kalin Lucas, who has not coincidentally been injured in the last two games. Lucas sprained his ankle against Wisconsin and then didn’t play against Illinois. Those looking for betting tips should know that the Spartans head coach, Tom Izzo, suggested that Lucas will play on Tuesday, although he may not be 100%.
Meanwhile, Purdue also endured a rough stretch earlier this year but is playing very well right now. The Boilermaker lost three straight in early January but have bounced back with five straight wins. The trio of JaJuan Johnson, Robbie Hummel and E’Twaun Moore has been one of the best in the nation and they are always a load to deal with.
But there is a good reason to expect the Spartans to bounce back. First off, the Boilermakers haven’t won in East Lansing since 1998. Secondly, the Boilermakers tend to struggle when they lose the battle of the boards and Michigan State happens to be the best rebounding team in the Big Ten.
Look for the Spartans to bounce back with a big home win on Tuesday.
Bet College Basketball Pick: Michigan State -3
