Northwestern (10-5) vs Michigan State (13-2)
Game Info: Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm (Welsh-Ryan Arena)
Betting Odds: Northwestern +2.5 -- Over/Under: 138.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: FOX
In this article we will formulate a Michigan State vs Northwestern prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, January 12th at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
The Michigan State Spartans are 13-2 (4-0) this year after they defeated Washington by a score of 88-54 in their last game. Michigan State led 42-13 at halftime and added 46 points in the second half in the blowout win. The Spartans shot 52.5% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 94.4% on free throws in the game. Jaden Akins led Michigan State with 20 points and three rebounds, while Jeremy Fears Jr. added 12 points and 10 assists in the game.
Prior to that victory, the Spartans defeated Ohio State by a score of 69-62 and Western Michigan by a score of 80-62. Michigan State has won eight games in a row and they started conference play with two wins against Minnesota and Nebraska. Michigan State has scored 81.5 points per game and they have allowed 65.9 points per game, while also averaging 41.3 rebounds and 18.3 assists per game this year. Jaden Akins is averaging 14.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Jase Richardson is averaging 9.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this year. Michigan State is shooting 47.7% from the field, 82% on free throws, and 28.4% on three-pointers this season.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 10-5 (1-3) this season after they lost to Purdue by a score of 79-61 in their last game. Northwestern trailed 41-18 at halftime, but they did score 43 points in the second half in the loss. The Wildcats shot 38.3% from the field, 28% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Angelo Ciaravino led Northwestern with 19 points and four rebounds, while Brooks Barnhizer added 11 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Wildcats lost to Penn State by a score of 84-80 but did beat Northeastern by a score of 85-60 before that. Northwestern has won four of their last six games and they started Big Ten play with a loss to Iowa and a win over Illinois. Northwestern has scored 74.1 points per game and they have allowed 66.2 points per game, while also averaging 35.1 rebounds and 15.1 assists per game this season. Nick Martinelli is averaging 19.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Brooks Barnhizer is averaging 19.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this year. Northwestern is shooting 44.8% from the field, 72.6% on free throws, and 32.5% on three-pointers this season.
Why Michigan State will beat Northwestern
- Michigan State has won 14 of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Northwestern has lost four of its last five games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in seven of its last eight day games against AP-ranked opponents.
Michigan State vs Northwestern Prediction
Northwestern comes into this matchup looking to snap a two-game losing streak, but both losses were on the road and they will be back at home here. The Wildcats only scored 61 points at Purdue in their last game and they are shooting just 44.8% from the field this year. Michigan State has been one of the best teams in the country over the last few weeks and they blew out Washington and picked up a tough road win at Ohio State in their last two games. The Spartans are shooting 47.7% from the field and they are scoring over 81 points per game on the season. I know it’s never easy to go on the road in conference play, but this Michigan State team is playing at an unreal level right now. Take the Spartans to get the win.
David’s Pick Michigan State ML
AUTHOR: David Racey
