Michigan State in a Rut
The Michigan State Spartans have been slipping of late. Since starting the season 12-4, they’ve now lost four out of their last six. That includes a humbling 16-point defeat at the hands of No. 1 Purdue on Sunday.
From their recent wins, though, those who bet online saw the Spartans beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Now Rutgers gets their opportunity to avenge that defeat on Saturday.
The Scarlet Knights have won four out of their last six games, including a 35-point stomping of Minnesota on Wednesday. Can they turn Michigan State aside and cover on the college basketball odds?
Let’s check the latest college basketball news, stats, injury reports and college basketball lines for Michigan State vs Rutgers. We’ve got plenty of NCAA basketball picks for you to consider.
Michigan State Struggling for Consistency
The Spartans have a talented roster that just can’t seem to consistently put together quality performances. Two of their best players, Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard, have had a difficult time stringing together great games.
If these guys can start consistently playing at a high level, it wouldn’t be shocking to see this team rise in the standings. Hoggard had 20 points against Purdue but had a total of 18 in his previous two games.
Walker scored 30 against Purdue when the teams first met on Jan. 16. He has a total of 39 points in the four games since.
Depth is really where the strength of the roster lies. At the moment, Michigan State has five players averaging over six points. If there’s one thing for sure about this team, there’s a multitude of weapons that contribute.
Duo Leads Rutgers
Rutgers is boosted up by its two best playmakers, Clifford Omoruyi and Cam Spencer. Each of them is currently averaging over 13 points, with the next-closest scorer on the roster putting up 9.8 points a night.
Omoruyi also contributed on the glass, racking up 9.9 rebounds per game from the center position. Both he and Spencer carry this team and their performance is crucial to how the team performs.
Rutgers does have four other players averaging over 7.9 points. That depth is a big reason for the Scarlet Knights being tied for second in the Big Ten standings right now.
This team is 9-3 in its last 12 games. Their arrow is pointing up, so keep that in mind before making your college basketball picks.
Michigan State vs Rutgers Game Injuries
Michigan State vs Rutgers Head-to-Head
These teams have already met up once this season, with Michigan State taking a double-digit victory.
Michigan State vs Rutgers Game Information
- Game: Michigan State (14-8) vs Rutgers (15-7)
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Day/Time: Feb 04th, 12:00 p.m. ET
- Michigan State vs Rutgers Live Stream: TBS.com
Michigan State vs Rutgers Betting Lines
Michigan State vs Rutgers Picks and Prediction
This is going to be an interesting rematch game as the Spartans are fumbling the bag right now, but have already handled the Scarlet Knights once this season. That could mean that Rutgers – which is playing better now – is going to get its revenge.
This will be a close game but the Scarlet Knights are the better bet in the sportsbook. They should cover and get the win.
Rutgers is listed at -4 in our college basketball lines.
Michigan State vs Rutgers Trends
Michigan State vs Rutgers Edge
Michigan State vs Rutgers Results
Michigan State vs Rutgers Game Summary
