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Arkansas (1-0) vs Michigan State (1-0)
- When: Nov 8 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Jack Breslin Students Events Center, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Where to watch: FOX
(14) Arkansas vs (22) Michigan State Preview & Prediction
Spread: Michigan State -1.0
Moneyline: Michigan State (-120)
Total: 155.0
Michigan State Spartans Betting Breakdown
Michigan State fans didn’t exactly get a confidence boost from their season opener. The Spartans might’ve won 80-69 over Colgate, but Tom Izzo looked like a man who just bit into a lemon. His team shot poorly, let a mid-major hang around, and only pulled away because they lived at the free-throw line.
The Spartans hit just 41.7% from the field and looked out of rhythm offensively, a concern with a much tougher test looming. Their saving grace was domination on the boards (47-25) and a 24-4 advantage in free-throw points, the kind of numbers that won’t come easy against an athletic Arkansas defense.
Izzo has seen enough early-season slumps to know one thing: effort and defense travel. Expect him to hammer that message home. The veteran core, Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, Coen Carr, and Jeremy Fears Jr., combined for 52 points and 30 rebounds, but they’ll need sharper defense and crisper shooting to avoid a long night.
Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Breakdown
Arkansas didn’t just win their opener, they threw a party. A 109-77 beatdown of Southern showed off the Razorbacks’ offensive firepower, led by forward Trevon Brazile’s 25-point, 11-rebound double-double. But it’s the freshmen guards who stole the show.
Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas looked like seasoned vets in their debuts, scoring 22 and 21 points, respectively. Acuff dictated tempo with confidence, while Thomas brought energy and swagger off the bench. John Calipari made it clear after the game: these two are staying on the court together and if they play half as well as they did Monday, Michigan State could have its hands full.
Arkansas thrives on chaos, fast pace, ball pressure, and scoring spurts that bury teams in minutes. Michigan State can’t afford to turn the ball over or get stuck in transition defense, because the Razorbacks will make them pay in a hurry.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
This is an early-season measuring stick for both programs. Michigan State’s experience and home-court edge might steady the ship, but Arkansas’ tempo and athleticism could be too much. Expect a fast-paced, entertaining duel that comes down to execution in the final minutes.
Final Score: Arkansas 81, Michigan State 77
Lean: Arkansas (+100)
Total: Over 155.0
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
