Michigan State vs Marquette Predictions & Odds – Spartans 2.5-Point Underdogs

• The #2 Marquette Golden Eagles are 2.5-point favorites over the #7 Michigan State Spartans in their second-round game on Sunday, March 19, 2023
• Marquette is 24-2 straight up this season as a betting favorite
• Below, find the Michigan State vs Marquette odds and picks for the round of 32

There’s myth, facts, and then there’s reality in the NCAA Tournament matchup between the Marquette Golden Eagles (29-6, 23-12 ATS) and Michigan State Spartans (20-12, 16-16 ATS).

The fact is that Michigan State is 10-2 straight all-time against the Golden Eagles. It’s also true that the Spartans haven’t lost to Marquette since 1956. However, the reality is that Marquette and Michigan State have faced each other just four times since then, and only once since 2008.

Another popular myth – Spartans coach Tom Izzo is a March Madness magician. The reality is that Michigan State has advanced beyond the second round just once over the past six NCAA Tournaments.

Michigan State vs Marquette Odds

Oddsmakers are leaning toward the #2-seeded Golden Eagles in this East Region second-round game. Marquette is a 2.5-point favorite over the #7 Spartans. Michigan State is 5-8 against the spread over the past 13 games.

Marquette is the co-seventh-favorite in the March Madness odds at +1500. Michigan State is set with +5000 odds in this betting market.

Tip-off for this game is set for Sunday, March 19 at Nationwide Arena at 5:15 pm ET. The winner will move onto face either #3 Kansas State or #6 Kentucky in the Sweet 16 portion of the March Madness bracket.

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Odds as of March 17 at Caesars. Get the Caesars Sportsbook promo code or see the full list of March Madness betting apps.

Spartans vs Golden Eagles Betting Trends

Michigan State is getting a lot of love in the public betting splits. Then again, so is Marquette. When it comes to the handle, both the spread (83%) and moneyline (75%) are heavily backing the Spartans. However, when it comes to bets, the spread (62%) and moneyline (65%) splits are leaning to the Golden Eagles.

There’s solidarity from the people on the total splits, however. The over is getting the healthier action in both handle (56%) and bets (59%).

Golden Eagles Kolek Injures Thumb

Big East Player of the Year Tyler Kolek suffered a thumb injury and was limited to eight points against Vermont. He’d scored in double digits for Marquette in each of the previous 13 games.

Shaka Smart said Tyler Kolek hurt his thumb, not his wrist. #mubb

— Ben Steele (@BenSteeleMJS) March 17, 2023

Despite the ailment, point guard Kolek is indicating he plans to play against Michigan State. Along with his injury, early foul trouble also limited Kolek’s floor time. That made it difficult to assess whether he was being kept on the bench due to his thumb or his fouls.

Kolek is second on the Golden Eagles in points per game (13.3) and leads Marquette in per-game averages for assists (7.7) and steals (1.8).

Spartans Topple Trojans

It was former Marquette player Joey Hauser who paced the Spartans with 17 points in their 72-62 victory over the USC Trojans. Michigan State smothered USC in the second half, limiting the Trojans to 28 points.

"We are down one whiteboard"

Tim Izzo snapped it in half with ease 😳 pic.twitter.com/2vnLt6eVO4

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 17, 2023

A 28-13 run in the second half put the Spartans in command. Guards Jaden Akins and Tyson Walker each scored 12 points. Guard AJ Hoggard added 11 points. Izzo improved to 19-6 SU in NCAA Tournament first-round games. He’s 15-5 SU in second-round games.

Vermont Can’t Keep Up With Marquette’s Jones

At halftime of Marquette’s opening-round game against the #15 Vermont Catamounts, Golden Eagles guard Kam Jones was showing one point next to his name on the scoresheet. Then he erupted.

Jones scored 18 of his 19 points in the second half of Marquette’s 78-61 victory. He’s the leading scorer this season for the Golden Eagles, averaging 15.0 points per game. Oso Ighodaro scored 14 points for the Golden Eagles and David Joplin added 12 points.

Michigan State vs Marquette Prediction

Marquette’s victory over Vermont was the first by the school in the NCAA Tournament since 2013. However, the last three times the Golden Eagles won their March Madness opener, they’ve gone at least as far as the Sweet 16.

Last year, Michigan State lost to Duke in the second round as a #7 seed. However, the Spartans reached the Final Four in 2015 as the #7 seed in the East Region.

Michigan State’s tournament-tested squad will prove a tough out for the relatively untested Golden Eagles. The Spartans are 2-0 vs Marquette in the NCAA Tournament.

Pick: Michigan State +2.5 (-110)

March Madness second-round predictions:

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• Kentucky vs Kansas State Picks, Odds & Spread