Oregon (24-8) vs Michigan State (26-5)
- When: Mar 14 2025, 12:00 PM
- Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Where to watch: BTN
Michigan State vs. Oregon: Big Ten Quarterfinal Showdown
Michigan State -6 | Total: 142.0
Michigan State: Aiming for a Statement Win
Michigan State entered the season projected as the Big Ten’s fifth-best team, but they completely shattered expectations, claiming the regular-season title by three full games. The seventh-ranked Spartans have been on fire, closing the season with seven straight wins, including five against ranked opponents.
With a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament all but locked in, the question is: What’s the motivation here? If you ask head coach Tom Izzo, the answer is simple: Keep winning, build momentum, and avoid an early stumble in March.
“Winning ways are winning ways,” Izzo said. “If you’re truly a special team, you compete to win every time you step on the floor.”
History shows that Michigan State’s performance in the Big Ten tournament doesn’t always dictate their NCAA run. Of the eight times the Spartans reached the Final Four, they won this tournament three times, but they also lost their opening game three times. That unpredictability is why Izzo wants his team locked in from the start.
Freshman Jase Richardson (11.6 PPG) has been a breakout star, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors while shooting 53% from the field since entering the starting lineup in early February. Senior Jaden Akins (12.9 PPG), also a third-team selection, will play a key role in MSU’s balanced attack that has carried them to the top of the Big Ten standings.
Oregon: The Hottest Team in the Conference
Don’t let the No. 8 seed fool you—Oregon is coming in as one of the most dangerous teams in the Big Ten. The Ducks have reeled off eight straight wins, including a dominant 72-59 victory over Indiana in the second round.
Big man Nate Bittle has been the engine behind this surge, averaging 18.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game during this stretch. Point guard Jackson Shelstad (13.4 PPG) led Oregon with 18 points against Indiana, showing his ability to take over games when needed.
Oregon has extra motivation for revenge in this one. Their last loss came at Michigan State on Feb. 8, when the Ducks blew a 14-point halftime lead and fell 86-74. Shelstad remembers it well:
“We played really hard in the first half, but we let up in the second,” Shelstad said. “We can’t afford to do that again. We need to play a full 40 minutes.”
Betting Outlook: Who Has the Edge?
Michigan State has the talent and depth to control this game, but Oregon isn’t the same team that lost in East Lansing a month ago. The Ducks have momentum, size, and a defense that has been locking teams down lately.
Michigan State will likely pull away late, but expect Oregon to come out aggressive and keep it close early. The Spartans’ experience and defense should ultimately be the difference, but Oregon has the tools to make this a battle.
Prediction:
Michigan State wins but doesn’t cover: Oregon (+6)
Leans toward the Under (142.0) as both teams focus on defense
Oregon keeps it close in the first half before Michigan State pulls away late
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
