March Madness: Ole Miss vs. Michigan State odds, picks and predictions
The Rebels opened their NCAA Tournament play with a 71-64 win over the No. 11 seed North Carolina Tar Heels, closing as a 1.5-point underdog. They then took down the No. 3 seed Iowa State Cyclones 91-78 on March 23, covering as a 5-point underdog. Ole Miss has covered in 3 straight games, all as an underdog. It is 18-16-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season. The Rebels are strong on both sides of the court, sitting 23rd in offensive and 21st in Kenpom's defensive rating.
The Spartans have only played double-digit seeds so far, taking down the No. 15 seed Bryant Bulldogs 87-62 on March 21 and then the No. 10 seed New Mexico Lobos 71-63 two days later, respectively covering as a 17-point and 6.5-point favorite. Michigan State has covered 10 of its last 11 games and is 24-10-1 ATS. The Spartans strength is on the defensive end of the court, ranking fourth in defensive rating.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men's Basketball Coaches Poll
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Ole Miss vs. Michigan State odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:36 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML) : Ole Miss +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Michigan State -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
: Ole Miss +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Michigan State -175 (bet $175 to win $100) Against the spread (ATS) : Ole Miss +3.5 (-110) | Michigan State -3.5 (-110)
: Ole Miss +3.5 (-110) | Michigan State -3.5 (-110) Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Ole Miss vs. Michigan State picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan State 75, Ole Miss 68
PASS.
The Spartans (-175) are just a little too expensive to consider here while the Rebels (+145) aren't worth a play either as they aren't predicted to pull off the Sweet 16 upset.
BET MICHIGAN STATE -3.5 (-110).
As a favorite, the Spartans have been on a roll. They have gone 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite and 19-9 ATS on the season in that position. Michigan State has a similar offense and a far better defense which should help propel it to cover as well.
The Rebels are playing well too, but they lost 4 of their last 6 games to close out the regular season, including a 10-point home loss to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. They have gone just 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games. Ole Miss also drew an Iowa State side without its second-best scoring option, so it'll have a much more difficult challenge Friday evening.
Take the red-hot Spartans and back MICHIGAN STATE -3.5 (-110).
BET UNDER 144.5 (-110).
The stakes are high, and the defense should be intense. The Rebels have allowed 64 or fewer points in 2 of their last 3 games, including giving up just 62 points in the SEC Tournament to the Auburn Tigers, the NCAA Tournament's top overall seed.
Michigan State, which is 11-24 O/U on the season, has allowed just 64 or fewer points in 4 of its last 5 contests. It ranks 171st in adjusted tempo as well, so the Tom Izzo-led team doesn't push the pace often.
Considering those trends, back UNDER 144.5 (-110).
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