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Ryan Stetson.
Michigan State vs. Duke Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
The Duke Blue Devils survived another scare in the Sweet 16, but will need a much better effort on Sunday if they’re planning to take down the Michigan State Spartans. While the Duke is still the betting public’s top choice to win the NCAA Tournament, early odds had the Blue Devils pegged as just 2-point favourites against Michigan State.
Michigan vs. Duke NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Point Spread and Betting
The Spartans could be the hottest team in the country right now. They’ve won eight in a row and covered the number in six of those victories. They’ve also won their three Tournament games by 48 combined points and have held their last five opponents to 65 or fewer points. In short, they’re getting it done at both ends of the floor. It’s more complicated with Duke. The Blue Devils haven’t covered a spread in any of their Tournament games and everyone is still waiting for them to put together a complete effort. Duke is now just 1-6-1 against the spread in its last eight overall.
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans are getting quality minutes from everyone on the roster. Freshmen Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown had the biggest games of their lives to help Michigan State blow up LSU in the Sweet 16. Henry had a career-best 20 points and six assists, while Brown added 15 points and three assists. Senior point guard Cassius Winston added 17 points and eight helpers. The Spartans certainly have the depth to trade buckets with Duke, but the big question will be whether they have an answer for Zion Williamson in the paint.
Duke Blue Devils
Williamson had another big game with 23 points and three blocks to help Duke squeak past Virginia Tech 75-73, but it was Tre Jones who stole the show. Jones, another freshman, had 22 points with five treys and dished out eight assists without committing a turnover in 40 minutes of work. Performances like those overshadowed another solid game from RJ Barrett too. He scored 18 points and had 11 assists, but that wasn’t enough to help Duke supporters cash in with the Blue Devils set as 8.5-point favourites. Duke still hasn’t lived up to the club’s potential yet and it isn’t going to be easy against this deep Spartans squad. This one might go down to the last possession again.
