Sunday's Michigan State vs. New Mexico game will help close out the first weekend of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Spartans and Lobos will meet up with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.
That's right, for the second time in the past six years, Richard Pitino stands between Michigan State and a trip to the Sweet 16. The last time that was the case, Michigan State beat 10th-seeded Minnesota and Pitino in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Michigan State won that game by 20 points, dominating from start to finish.
Michigan State will look to have the same result on Sunday night against one of the better mid-major teams in the country as New Mexico is 27-7 this season.
If you're like me and you're looking to place a wager on this game, you'd be pleased to know that Vegas thinks this game will go the Spartans' way, per DraftKings.
Line: Michigan State -6.5
Over/Under: 148.5
Moneyline: Michigan State -310 | New Mexico +250
Michigan State is going to face another elite rebounding team which could cause some problems, but I think Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, and Szymon Zapala are going to cause some problems for the Lobos in the paint and on the glass.
New Mexico also has one of the best guards in the country in Donovan Dent but the Spartans have the defenders to keep him in check.
Will that happen? I think Dent will get his points and finish with somewhere close to 20, but Michigan State will make him work and his shooting percentage will be much lower than his season average. That will work in the Spartans' favor as depth will be an issue here for the Lobos. Michigan State will wear New Mexico down, winning 83-71.