CBB: Michigan at Michigan State (4:00 PM ET, CBS)

Michigan State is one of three teams with four losses in Big Ten play. That is the total that is going to grab at least a share of the conference regular season title. Of course, that means for in order to the Spartans to be in on the sharing, they need t

2010-03-05

Michigan State is one of three teams with four losses in Big Ten play. That is the total that is going to grab at least a share of the conference regular season title. Of course, that means for in order to the Spartans to be in on the sharing, they need to simply beat rival Michigan at home on Sunday afternoon. After nearly being upset Thursday night by Penn State, perhaps that goal is easier said than done for State. Oddsmakers figure the Spartans will get it done, but its up to bettors at Sportsbook.com to decide whether or not they will do it by enough points to satisfy all their backers.

The Spartans 67-65 win as 13-point home favorites over last place Penn State epitomizes their season. Michigan State (23-7, 11-18 ATS) is playing to be co-champion of the Big Ten, but it hardly feels like it. The Spartans 9-0 conference start and one-point road wins at Minnesota and Michigan only camouflaged their weaknesses that emerged later in February. Kalin Lucas was carrying this club, with super sub Draymond Green being the only other consistent scoring threat. Lately, even Lucas has been affected, with eight turnovers and one assist in last Sunday’s win over Purdue and he made two miscues against the Nittany Lions that almost cost his club the game. Coach Tom Izzo’s maddening squad is 13-2 and uninspiring 4-11 ATS as a home favorite.

Michigan (14-15, 13-12 ATS) started the year in the Top 25 and has fallen faster than American Idol winner Taylor Hicks from the limelight. If one supports and watched the Maize and Blue this season, you would be having Tommy Amaker flashbacks with how this team has performed. Coach John Beilein has been trying to force feed 6’10 center Zack Gibson into the starting lineup, as 6’8 DeShawn Sims is the only other regular start over 6-foot-5. Gibson becomes important against the larger and more physical Spartans since the Wolverines have been outrebounded eight straight games. Michigan is 2-5 and 6-1 ATS as an away underdog.

Dating back to 1998, Michigan State has won all 10 games over in-state rival Michigan in East Lansing, with a 5-5 ATS record. The StatFox Power Line shows Michigan State by 9.

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