Tom Izzo is looking to do something that he hasn’t done as a head coach in more than a decade. He hasn’t made back-to-back Elite Eights since 2014-15. UConn stands in his way.
Friday’s Michigan State vs UConn game is one of the toughest matchups to predict in the Sweet 16, and the Spartans are looking to become the fourth (potentially fifth) Big Ten team to make the Elite Eight, following Iowa, Illinois, Purdue, and likely Michigan.
UConn isn’t going to just roll over and let the Spartans move on, however. This is going to be one of the toughest matchups of the season and I don’t think UConn is as “overrated” as people claim.
What does Vegas think?
Odds via DraftKings as of Friday, March 27
Line: Michigan State +1.5
Over/Under: 136.5
Moneyline: Michigan State +105 | UConn -125
What do the betting odds tell us? Basically that Vegas doesn’t really know who should be the favorite. Michigan State opened as a 1.5-point favorite and the line has moved slightly in UConn’s direction, but this is as close to a toss-up as you can get as a bettor.
UConn and Michigan State are pretty evenly-matched, and this is a game that you’re going to see a lot of bettors avoid because there’s just no lean one way or another.
Predicting Michigan State vs UConn
I’ve seen a lot of people on UConn ahead of this game and I’ve even seen some pointing to that preseason matchup between the two teams that means absolutely nothing at this point.
Michigan State is going to be well prepared for this game and Izzo is going to lay out the perfect gameplan for the Spartans. They’re going to rebound and run a ton and that’s going to wear down the Huskies who probably want to slow the pace and keep Michigan State in the half court where UConn thrives defensively.
The Huskies may throw the first couple of punches, but Michigan State is going to deliver the knockout blow, getting revenge for that 2014 Elite Eight loss — obviously that still stings.
Final Score: Michigan State 75, UConn 72