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Bucknell (14) vs. Michigan State (3): March Madness Odds, Prediction
The third-seeded spartans Spartans came up short in the Big Ten Tournament semifinal against rival Michigan, but still boast one of the most versatile offenses in Division I and are expected to cruise past the No. 14 Bisons.
NCAA Tournament Odds and Betting Analysis
Oddsmakers aren’t giving Bucknell a shot at even keeping this one close – and who could blame them? That said, the Spartans have been a terrible cover play down the stretch, going just 4-11-2 ATS over their final 17 games – including two non-covers in the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan State is also 12-8 ATS in 20 games as a double-digit fave this season. Meanwhile, the Bison have covered each of their previous two lined games.
The natural inclination for March Madness bettors might be to hammer the over in this one given Michigan State’s terrific offence – but the Spartans have actually gone below the total in six of their previous seven games. But Michigan State has posted five consecutive overs in the NCAA Tournament and are 4-1 O/U in their last five non-conference games. Bucknell has gone above the total in four straight non-conference encounters and is 4-1 O/U in its last five following a win.
Bucknell Bison
Playing in the Patriot League isn’t quite like competing in the Big Ten Conference, but the Bison still have an impressive attack of their own, ranking tied for 35th nationally in scoring offence at 81.1 points per game. The key to their success: a combination of pinpoint shooting from 2-point range (55.6 percent) and a parade to the foul line (fifth nationally in free-throw makes, third in attempts.) Bucknell has just two wins in seven previous NCAA Tournament appearances.
Michigan State Spartans
Few teams combine offensive skill, rebounding instincts and defensive prowess like the Spartans, who lead Division I in assists per game (19.3), rank second in defensive boards (29.8) and limit foes to an NCAA-low 36.6 percent from the field. And if that weren’t enough, the Spartans also pace the nation in blocked shots per game (7.4). This Spartans team is well-positioned to advance past the opening weekend for the first time since 2015.
