Wisconsin (22-6) at Michigan State (23-5)
- When: Mar 2 2025, 1:30 PM
- Where: Jack Breslin Students Events Center, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Where to watch: CBS
Wisconsin vs. Michigan State: Betting Preview and Predictions
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin closed out February on a high note, winning six of seven games and dominating Washington 88-62 in their last outing. The Badgers will now face their toughest test of the Big Ten season as they travel to East Lansing to take on Michigan State.
Wisconsin (22-6, 12-5 Big Ten) still has an outside shot at sharing the regular-season conference title but must pull off an upset over the Spartans to stay in the race. The Badgers have thrived on offensive balance, scoring 42 points in the paint and knocking down 10 three-pointers in their latest victory.
John Blackwell, who recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds against Washington, has been a key contributor, averaging 15.2 points per game. However, the real offensive engine is John Tonje, who leads the team with 19.5 points per game and has surpassed the 30-point mark four times this season.
Wisconsin’s offensive versatility makes them dangerous, but they’ll need to maintain their defensive intensity and limit turnovers to have a shot at taking down the Spartans.
Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State (23-5, 14-3 Big Ten) enters this matchup tied with Michigan for first place in the conference and controls its own destiny with just three games remaining before the Big Ten tournament. The Spartans have won four straight games, including a thrilling 58-55 victory over Maryland that was sealed by Tre Holloman’s miraculous half-court buzzer-beater.
While the Spartans have relied on balanced scoring all season, freshman guard Jase Richardson has stepped up as their go-to option in recent games. He has led Michigan State in scoring in four of the last six contests and is averaging 16.8 points per game during that stretch.
Michigan State has been a force on its home floor and will look to build on its recent momentum. With a tough road game at Iowa looming before their rematch with rival Michigan, the Spartans know they can’t afford to stumble here.
Betting Outlook
Spread: Michigan State -4.5
Total: 146.0
Michigan State has been playing inspired basketball and has the advantage of home-court dominance. However, Wisconsin has been one of the most consistent teams in the Big Ten and is capable of keeping this one close. If the Badgers can slow down Richardson and control the pace, they have a shot at covering. However, the Spartans’ depth and defensive intensity give them the edge to come away with a hard-fought win.
Prediction: Michigan State wins but Wisconsin covers the spread.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
