Sunday’s Michigan State vs Indiana game may not be for any titles or accolades, but there’s March seeding on the line between these two teams.
Big Ten Tournament seeding is still important for the Hoosiers as they attempt to jockey for a top eight seed, but an NCAA Tournament berth is the most important. They’re squarely on the bubble with three games left against the Spartans, Minnesota, and at Ohio State. There aren’t many opportunities left to bolster that resume.
For Michigan State, it needs a win to stay on that 3-seed line that it made after beating Purdue in Mackey Arena on Thursday night. Beating Indiana is important for those hopes, especially since the final game of the regular season at Michigan is going to be a heck of a battle.
Vegas believes in Izzo and the Spartans at Assembly Hall which is interesting seeing as the Spartans have just two wins there over the past decade.
Opening betting odds for Michigan State vs Indiana
Like it did against Purdue, Vegas has faith in Izzo to get the job done on the road.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Saturday, Feb. 28
Line: Michigan State -3.5
Over/Under: 144.5
To me, this makes it seem like Vegas is expecting a Michigan State win at Assembly Hall which has only happened twice over the past decade. The Spartans ended one drought this week, so what’s stopping them from ending another? Beating Indiana on the road would be huge for this team’s confidence as it builds a winning streak before facing Michigan.
Like I’ve already said, there’s a lot on the line on Sunday between both teams. Michigan State needs a win to remain on that 3-line and Indiana presents a Quad 1 opportunity.
The Hoosiers need a win to stay in the hunt for the NCAA Tournament. They’re on the wrong side of the bubble and a win over Michigan State would swing the pendulum back in their direction. They need to beat Michigan State for the NCAA Tournament resume.
Michigan State has to take care of business because a top three seed would help a ton in March.