Niagara vs Michigan State Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/7/24

The Niagara Purple Eagles are visiting the Michigan State Spartans on Thursday, November 7th at the Jack Breslin Students Events Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Michigan State Spartans Prediction.

Michigan State Spartans Preview

The Michigan State Spartans are coming off a successful 20-15 season, finishing 10th in the Big Ten with a 10-10 record. The Spartans had a strong 14-4 home record a below average 3-7 road record. Michigan State was 16-14-1 against the spread and 13-18 in over/under.

In their season opener on Monday, the Spartans won the Monmouth Hawks at home, 81-57. Michigan State covered the -20-point spread and the game went under the 143-point total. The Spartans’ 57 points allowed were 67th in the nation, while their 81 points offensively were 155th. Michigan State did not shoot the ball well from beyond the arc with just 17%, but dominated Monmouth defensively, holding them into just 28% shooting from the field.

Senior guard Jaden Atkins led Michigan State’s offense with a game-high 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Freshman guard Jase Richardson added 10 points and 4 assists.

Niagara Purple Eagles Preview

The Niagara Purple Eagles are coming off a balanced 16-16 season, finishing 8th in the MAAC with an 11-9 record. The Eagles struggled at home with a 5-9 record but were much better on the road with 10-6. Niagara Purple was 17-12 against the spread and 16-13 in over/under.

Offensively, Niagara averaged 72.5 points per game, which ranked 210th nationally. Defensively, they allowed 72.1 points per game, which ranked 186th. The Purple Eagles boasted elite shooting percentages, with 47% from the field, which ranked 51st in the nation, and 36.2% from downtown (56th). The Purple Eagles’ 75.2% free throw percentage was 55th in the nation.

Senior guard Braxton Bayless led the Purple Eagles’ offense with 11.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Freshman guard Ahmad Henderson added 11.2 points and 2.4 rebounds. Niagara will face Detroit Mercy following this game.

Why the Michigan State Spartans will win

• Michigan State has won 25 of its last 26 games against non-conference opponents at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.
• Niagara has lost 18 of its last 23 night games against non-conference opponents.
• Michigan State has won the first half in 18 of its last 19 night games against non-conference opponents at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.

Why the Niagara Purple Eagles will win

• Niagara has won three of its last four night games.
• Niagara has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Six of Niagara’s last seven games against non-conference opponents have produced a total of 143+ points.
• Five of Michigan State’s last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 138 or fewer points.

Niagara vs Michigan State Prediction

In this Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Michigan State Spartans Prediction, Michigan State is coming as a huge 27-point home favorite. Michigan State is projected to be a strong #21 this season, while Niagara is projected at just #311. The Spartans are coming off a huge season where they made it to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament and lost to Ohio State. Michigan State showed its potential with a dominant win and elite defensive performance in their opener. Niagara is no match for this Michigan State team, so I’m expecting another big win. Take Michigan State and lay the points at home.