Spartans +1½ vs Badgers
Game Time: 2/20/2007 7:00:00 PM
By: Matt Fargo
Back the home team as underdogs in this huge Big Ten contest. Play Michigan State over Wisconsin.
Wisconsin finds itself in a spot normally not occupied by the Badgers and that is at the top spot of the AP Poll. This is the first time the Badgers have ever been ranked first in the country and while it is a huge accomplishment, it will be short-lived. Wisconsin has not played any team of significance since its last loss against Indiana as the Badgers have faced Penn St. twice, Minnesota, Northwestern and Iowa. Leapfrogging other teams to the top spot was inevitable.
The Spartans have gained some confidence back since going through a four-game slide as they have won their last two against Michigan and Iowa by a combined 47 points. Michigan St. improved to 16-1 at home with the lone loss coming against Ohio St. This is no doubt a big test and while it isn’t a must win to get into the NCAA Tournament, it certainly won’t hurt matters especially with a rematch at Wisconsin coming up next week.
It all starts with defense for Michigan St. The Spartans lead the league in field-goal percentage defense at 37.9% and scoring defense allowing just 56.0 points per game, while ranking second in three-point field-goal percentage defense at 30.5%. In total, 19 opponents have shot below 40% and 20 below 42%. During their recent two-game wining streak, the Spartans held the Wolverines and Hawkeyes to a combined 33-95 for a combined 34.7%.
Wisconsin is a very good team defensively as well but the Spartans have had recent success in this spot. They are on a 26-11 against the spread run in home games against teams allowing 42% or less from the floor after in the second half of the season. Michigan St. has also fared very well at home against the good teams as it is 9-1 against the spread against teams with a winning record.
Big wins have inspired even more confidence as Michigan St. is a perfect 7-0 against the spread following a win by 20 or more points. Make it eight straight Tuesday. Play the Spartans for one unit.
Play: Michigan State +1½
Game Time: 2/20/2007 7:00:00 PM
By: Matt Fargo
Back the home team as underdogs in this huge Big Ten contest. Play Michigan State over Wisconsin.
Wisconsin finds itself in a spot normally not occupied by the Badgers and that is at the top spot of the AP Poll. This is the first time the Badgers have ever been ranked first in the country and while it is a huge accomplishment, it will be short-lived. Wisconsin has not played any team of significance since its last loss against Indiana as the Badgers have faced Penn St. twice, Minnesota, Northwestern and Iowa. Leapfrogging other teams to the top spot was inevitable.
The Spartans have gained some confidence back since going through a four-game slide as they have won their last two against Michigan and Iowa by a combined 47 points. Michigan St. improved to 16-1 at home with the lone loss coming against Ohio St. This is no doubt a big test and while it isn’t a must win to get into the NCAA Tournament, it certainly won’t hurt matters especially with a rematch at Wisconsin coming up next week.
It all starts with defense for Michigan St. The Spartans lead the league in field-goal percentage defense at 37.9% and scoring defense allowing just 56.0 points per game, while ranking second in three-point field-goal percentage defense at 30.5%. In total, 19 opponents have shot below 40% and 20 below 42%. During their recent two-game wining streak, the Spartans held the Wolverines and Hawkeyes to a combined 33-95 for a combined 34.7%.
Wisconsin is a very good team defensively as well but the Spartans have had recent success in this spot. They are on a 26-11 against the spread run in home games against teams allowing 42% or less from the floor after in the second half of the season. Michigan St. has also fared very well at home against the good teams as it is 9-1 against the spread against teams with a winning record.
Big wins have inspired even more confidence as Michigan St. is a perfect 7-0 against the spread following a win by 20 or more points. Make it eight straight Tuesday. Play the Spartans for one unit.
Play: Michigan State +1½
