(3) Kansas Jayhawks vs. (2) Michigan State - This is Sparta!

BetUS NCAA Basketball Betting Odds: MICHIGAN STATE -1.5, Total 138.5

Here are some of the NCAA basketball sports betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* KAN is 15-3-1 ATS in its last 19 games

* KAN has won 16 of its last 19 games SU

* KAN has played ten of its last 15 games UNDER the total

* MSU has covered four of its last five games

* MSU has won eight of its last nine games SU

* MSU has played nine of its last 13 games UNDER the total

It certainly was a great job by Bill Self, who had to replace a lot of talent from his national championship team. There were a lot of new people to work into the rotation, and when it comes down to it, the only guy Self was left with who was a contributor to last year's club was Sherron Collins, who naturally has taken a leadership role with this year's Jayhawks. At the same time, that becomes a bit of a burden the further Kansas advances in this tournament.

Playing against North Dakota State or Dayton, teams that are not overflowing with talent, was one thing. It's quite another to go against this Spartan squad that has talent, depth, experience and toughness. Michigan State had a heck of a time getting by USC, but that was expected on this end. What was surprising is that they were able to do it while Raymar Morgan had no field goals, and Goran Suton just one in ten tries. It is safe to say that is not going to happen most of the time. Thankfully, USC.

Walton's principal virtue, however, is on the other end of the floor, where he is one of the nation's premier defensive stoppers. He's going to be all over Collins, if that is what Tom Izzo chooses to do. Kalin Lucas won the Big Ten's player of the year award and represents an improvement over Drew Neitzel. There are very few games when he turns the ball over more than a couple of times, and it's quite obvious he can score too.

Admittedly, Michigan State has a lot to worry about with Cole Aldrich, who is not only one of the premier inside scorers in the Big 12, but also a force in other ways. He had 20 rebounds and ten bocked shots against Dayton. Suton's mission is to get to the outside a bit more than usual and draw Aldrich away from the basket. But the Spartans need not worry to much; after all, they are +10 in rebounding margin, which represents physical dominance.

For that group of freshmen in Lawrence, there is going to be time to grow into a championship unit (unless they decide to go prematurely to the NBA). That time, however, is not now. We prefer the hard-nosed, efficient Spartans and a coach in Tom Izzo who also knows how to get to the next round in this tourney. They're laying a point and a half in the BetUS NCAA Tournament sports betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: MICHIGAN STATE -1.5 ***

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)