In this article, we will formulate an Auburn vs Michigan State prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, March 30, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament. The winner of this game will meet Florida in the Final Four.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
The Michigan State Spartans (30-6, 24-11-1 ATS) have been dominant late in the season as they recorded seven consecutive victories to clinch the No. 1 seed for the Big Ten tournament. The Spartans defeated Oregon 74-64 in the quarterfinals but fell short to the No. 5 seed Wisconsin, in the semifinals. Michigan State wasn’t really tested in the opening two rounds of the NCAA tournament; it beat Bryant and New Mexico, but Ole Miss caused the Spartans trouble in the Sweet 16. Michigan State did edge out the Rebels 73-70.
Michigan State averages 78.1 PPG (79th) and allows 67.1 PPG (44th). The Spartans are 21st in rebounds (39.8) and 31st in assists (16.7). Jaden Akins leads the team with 12.8 PPG and 3.6 RPG. Jase Richardson follows him with 12.2 PPG and 3.3 RPG, while Tre Holloman chips in 9.3 PPG and 3.8 APG.
Auburn Tigers Betting Preview
The Auburn Tigers (31-5, 20-16 ATS) lost the final two games of the regular season but still secured the No. 1 seed for the SEC tournament. The Tigars entered the conference tourney in the quarterfinals and beat Ole Miss 62-57, but they fell short to Tennessee in the semis 70-65. Auburn was solid in the NCAA tournament so far, defeating Alabama State, Creighton, and Michigan.
Auburn is averaging 83.6 PPG (13th) and is allowing 69.3 PPG (88th). The Tigers are getting 37.6 RPG (72nd) and dishing out 16.3 APG (41st). Johni Broome is the team’s top performer with 18.5 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, and 2.1 BPG. Chad Baker-Mazara has 12.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.6 APG, and a team-high 1.1 SPG, while Tahaad Pettiford contributes 11.8 PPG, 2.2 RPG, and 2.9 APG.
Why Michigan State will beat Auburn
- Michigan State has won each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
- Auburn has lost three of its last four games against AP-ranked opponents.
Why Auburn will beat Michigan State
- Auburn has won 18 of its last 19 night games against non-conference opponents.
- Michigan State has lost eight of its last nine games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents.
- Auburn has won the first half in seven of its last eight night games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Total Points Facts
- Six of Michigan State’s last seven games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
- Four of Auburn’s last five games have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Auburn ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (101.9).
- Auburn ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for points per possession this season (1.24).
- Michigan State ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (40.0).
- Michigan State ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (78.9%).
Auburn vs Michigan State Prediction
These teams will meet for the first time. Auburn has a more potent offense, but Michigan State’s defense is a tricky one, and only because of the Spartans’ D, I am going with Under in this tilt. Each of the Spartans’ three games at the NCAA tournament went Under, and Michigan State is 11-25-0 Over/Under this season, so I am leaning toward a low-scoring affair. Also, Michigan State has hit the Game Total Under in 23 of its last 32 games. If I had to choose a winner, I’d pick Auburn, but I am going with Under.