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Michigan State vs Penn State Odds, Lines, and Spread (Feb. 15)

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in College Basketball

Updated Feb 15, 2022 · 2:55 AM PST

Jaden Akins and Gabe Brown watch the clock run down
Michigan State's Jaden Akins, right, and Gabe Brown dribble out the clock at the end of an NCAA college basketball game against High Point, Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 81-68. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
  • The Michigan State vs Penn State odds favor the Spartans by 3-points on Tuesday (Feb. 15) at 6:30pm ET
  • Michigan State is 42-9 all-time versus Penn State
  • Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

Time is running out on #19 Michigan State if they hope to capture at least a share of their fourth Big Ten regular-season title in the past five years. The Spartans enter play on Tuesday (Feb. 15) versus Penn State a game and a half behind first-place Illinois with only seven contests remaining.

Michigan State will play its final seven games over the next three weeks, and after its tilt with the Nittany Lions, the schedule gets extremely challenging. They’ll face three top-18 teams during that stretch, plus road games at Iowa and Michigan, before finishing at home versus Maryland.

Michigan State vs Penn State Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Michigan State Spartans -166 -3 (-120) O 129.5 (-110)
Penn State Nittany Lions +138 +3 (-102) U 129.5 (-110)

Odds as of Feb. 14th at BetMGM.

 

The Spartans opened up as a 3-point favorite over Penn State, in a game that features a total of 129.5. Tip-off is scheduled for just after 6:30pm ET at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, PA, with the Big Ten Network providing the broadcast coverage.

MSU’s NCAA Tournament title odds have faded badly over the past couple weeks. A +3800 threat at the end of January, they are listed at +8000 at FanDuel Sportsbook now.

Michigan State Spartans Betting Analysis

The Spartans’ (18-6, 9-4 Big Ten) biggest issue lately has been consistency. They’re 4-4 in their last eight outings, a stretch that includes losses to Northwestern and Rutgers, but also a double-digit road victory over #15 Wisconsin.

Last time out, they snapped a two-game losing streak by dumping Indiana 76-61. Malik Hall led the way offensively with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Tyson Walker put up 15 points off the bench. Walker was removed from the starting lineup in favor of A.J. Hoggard and the move seemed to spark the junior guard.

He put up his highest point total since early December, knocking down 50% of his looks including three triples. Hoggard also had a strong game with 14 points, and was the only starter who reached double-figures. The team shot just 43.1% from the field, but overcame a down shooting performance with some rock solid defense.

They held the Hoosiers to 33.9% from the field, and 23.8% from three, while forcing 11 turnovers and gobbling up five more rebounds.

Michigan State checks in with the fourth best scoring defense in the Big Ten, and ranks third in defensive rating. They’re holding opponents to 40.3% from the field this season, the 32nd best mark in the country, while ranking ninth in the nation in blocks.

Offensively, the numbers aren’t quite as impressive, but they do rank second in the conference in three-point field goal percentage, and third in total rebounding.

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Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Analysis

The Nittany Lions (9-12, 4-9 Big Ten) meanwhile, have been spiralling downhill recently. They’ve dropped three straight, and five of their last six games. Last time out, they fell to Minnesota, one of only three teams that ranks lower in the conference standings.

To be fair, Penn State has faced a daunting schedule. They’ve faced the ninth most difficult schedule per NET rankings in the country, and the toughest in the Big Ten.

They enter play ranked last in the conference in points per game, but did have one of their better shooting performances of the season versus the Golden Gophers. The Nittany Lions shot 54.7% from the field, and 50% from three, but finished -10 in the turnover department.

Their defense didn’t do them any favors either, as they allowed Minnesota to shoot 48.5% from the field and 50% from three. Penn State is typically a strong defensive unit, ranking third in the conference in opponent points per game, which has helped them overcome a lacklustre offense – last game notwithstanding.

Michigan State vs Penn State Pick

The line for this game currently sits at Michigan State -3 but expect that number to be at -3.5 by the time tomorrow’s college basketball betting trends are released. If you’re looking to back the Spartans act now.

Michigan State is 42-9 all-time versus Penn State, and waxed them 80-64 earlier this season. The Spartans can ill afford another conference loss, and should be able to take advantage of a much weaker team. The Nittany Lions grade out 66 spots lower per KenPom’s overall efficiency rankings, and the gap is even wider per the NET rankings (24 vs 93).

Also working in Michigan State’s favor, the fact that Penn State also hasn’t posted a victory over a top-20 since January 30th, 2021.

Pick: Michigan State Spartans -3 (-120)

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