Michigan State vs Arizona Prediction & Picks: Will the Wildcats Whip the Spartans in the Acrisure Classic?

Almost two weeks ago, the Arizona Wildcat passed their first test of the college basketball season with flying colors, as they went into Duke and snatched a 78-73 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Today, the #3 Wildcats will look to come away from their second challenge of the campaign with another big win as they take on #21 Michigan State in the Acrisure Classic (4:00 pm ET, FOX).

This matchup, which will take place at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California, had some of the shine knocked off of it because of Michigan State’s season-opening loss to James Madison, as well as the Spartans’ Champions Classic loss to Duke.

But it is most definitely still a must-see matchup, and if you are awake but aren’t interested in watching Commanders-Cowboys after the Packers-Lions game, this should be on your viewing schedule.

Bet on Michigan State vs Arizona and More at BetDSI

In senior guard Tyson Walker, Michigan State (3-2) has one of the nation’s leading scorers. Arizona (5-0), meanwhile, has quality and depth that few teams around the country can match, led by sensational sophomore guard Kylan Boswell.

Which one of these teams will take the Acrisure Classic crown? The Wildcats are firm favorites, but you can expect a strong effort from the Spartans, even if they end up falling short.

Michigan State vs Arizona Odds

Odds are courtesy of Bovada.

Spread

• Michigan State +5 (-110)
• Arizona -5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 148 (-110)
• Under 148 (-110)

Moneyline

• Michigan State +180
• Arizona -220

Michigan State vs Arizona Prediction and Picks

Prediction: Arizona to win

Picks: Michigan State/Arizona over 148 (-110 at Bovada) & Arizona first half -3 (-110 at Bovada)

While it wasn’t the major culprit in either loss, Michigan State was not helped by subpar showings in the first half against both James Madison and Duke.

Against the Dukes, the Spartans trailed by as many as 13 in the first half before whittling the deficit to four at the break. And against Duke, the Spartans trailed by 11 at the half and couldn’t come all the way back in a nine-point loss.

Will today’s game play out any differently? Recent history isn’t particularly favorable for Michigan State. The Spartans are just 6-14 SU in their last 20 games against ranked teams in road or neutral-site games in the regular season (including the Big Ten Tournament).

By comparison, Arizona is 8-3 SU in such games in Tommy Lloyd’s tenure as head coach. Two of the three losses have come at UCLA, while the other loss was at Tennessee in December of 2021.

If the Spartans are to have a chance, Walker will have to find his outside shot, much like he did against Duke. Walker, who missed Sunday’s win over Alcorn State due to illness, is averaging 23.0 PPG thus far this season.

Top Players for Michigan State

• Tyson Walker: 23.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.8 SPG
• Malik Hall: 10.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.2 APG
• Jaden Akins: 9.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 SPG
• A.J. Hoggard: 8.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.6 APG

But after making 43.5% of his threes in his first two seasons in East Lansing, Walker is shooting only 29.4% (5 of 17) from outside so far this season. However, his best perimeter performance came in the loss to the Blue Devils, as he made 3 of 5 in a 22-point outing.

Even if Walker gets hot, it might not be enough for Michigan State to keep up with Arizona. Six Wildcats are averaging 10+ PPG, led by Boswell, who is averaging 13.8 PPG and has made 15 of his 22 three-point attempts (68.2%).

Top Players for Arizona

• Kylan Boswell: 13.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.6 SPG
• Keshad Johnson: 13.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.2 BPG
• Caleb Love: 12.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.4 SPG
• Oumar Ballo: 12.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG
• Motiejus Krivas: 12.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG
• Pelle Larsson: 11.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.6 APG

With the bevy of threats Arizona has inside and outside, I think they will be too much for the Spartans, who will put up a fight like they almost always do but will ultimately come up short.

Where to Bet on College Basketball

If you are looking for college basketball odds, you will always be spoiled for choice. Sports betting sites all over the internet offer a vast array of NCAA basketball odds throughout the season, from the opening tip in November to the conclusion of the season in early April.

Along with being able to bet on countless games, many online sportsbooks offer men’s college basketball national championship odds, women’s college basketball national championship odds, men’s Wooden Award odds, women’s Wooden Award odds, and odds on who will win early season and conference tournaments.

Below are some of the books that we highly recommend for college basketball betting:

• BetDSI
• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bookmaker
• Bovada
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.

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• Villanova vs North Carolina Prediction & Picks
• Oklahoma vs Iowa Prediction & Picks
• College Basketball Betting Guide
• Men’s Wooden Award Winner Odds
• Women’s Wooden Award Winner Odds