After losing three out of the past four games, Tom Izzo has some work to do in order to make sure the season doesn’t completely fall apart. Tuesday’s Michigan State vs UCLA game is the perfect opportunity to get things back on track.
The Spartans are 20-5 on the season after a recent rough patch while UCLA is 17-8 following a 30-point loss to Michigan. Both teams are searching for answers right now, but I’d say that I trust Izzo more than Mick Cronin.
So does Vegas.
The opening betting odds for Tuesday’s game in East Lansing are slightly surprising considering Michigan State has been one of the coldest teams in the Big Ten. UCLA hasn’t exactly been red-hot, but I’d expect the odds to be closer to a toss-up than closing in on lopsided territory.
Vegas likes the Spartans’ chances to get right
Tuesday will be looked at as a get-right game for Izzo and the Spartans as they prepare for a tough four-game stretch to close the regular season against the likes of Purdue, Michigan, and Indiana.
Odds via DraftKings as of Monday, Feb. 16
Line: Michigan State -7.5
Over/Under: 136.5
Moneyline: Not available yet
Michigan State is a surprisingly heavy favorite despite its recent rough patch. OK, so 7.5 points isn’t a ton, but it’s more than I would’ve expected in favor of the Spartans given their recent slump. I would’ve assumed it would have been in the 4-5 point range.
Vegas trusts that Izzo is going to figure it out — UCLA’s 30-point loss to Michigan definitely helped move this line more in Michigan State’s favor.
The Spartans will welcome Xavier Booker back to the Breslin Center for the first time since he transferred to UCLA. Izzo is hoping that he will be welcomed back with open arms and no boos, but we know how passionate Michigan State fans can be. The Spartans will welcome him back as heavier favorites than anyone probably expected — especially me.
A win may not get Michigan State fully back on track, but this is a good opportunity to fix some correctable mistakes. Turn that into two in a row against Ohio State next Sunday and Michigan State may just be cooking again.
Covering on Tuesday would do wonders for this team.