NCAAB: #9 Michigan State vs #8 Mississippi State Odds, and Picks (Mar 21)

• Michigan State’s strong metrics earned them a 9-seed, despite their 19-14 record.
• Mississippi State is in a similar boat, riding a 21-13 record en route to an 8-seed.
• These two teams last met on January 2, 1973, in a game that Michigan State won 90-82.

The NCAA Tournament is officially underway! Let’s take a look at this matchup between the Michigan State Spartans and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. These two teams were considered to be on the bubble, but landed much more safely in the field.

How to Watch

• CBS

Preview

Michigan State landed in the tournament field as a 9-seed, riding their strong NET and KenPom rankings to a favorable seed despite their 19-14 record. The Spartans are coming off a Sweet 16 appearance and top-5 preseason ranking, making them a dangerous upset candidate if they can realize their full potential in the tournament. They’ll face a similarly dangerous team in Mississippi State, who will test them defensively.

Mississippi State was in a similar position as Michigan State. Many expected them to slide towards the bubble as several bids were stolen over the weekend, but the Bulldogs wound up well within the field as an 8-seed. This is a testament to their body of work, which includes wins over Washington State, Northwestern, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama. They’ll be tasked with holding off an experienced Spartans team.

Prediction

Mississippi State’s non-conference win over Northwestern is a solid example for what to expect in terms of their ability against mid-tier Big-10 teams. Michigan State has the talent to make a deep run in the tournament, but hasn’t been able to fully capitalize on it. I see them having trouble with the Bulldogs stifling defense. I’d expect a close, low-scoring game, with Mississippi State coming away with the victory.

NCAAB Picks:

• Mississippi State 68, Michigan State 64 (MISST +1.5)