Expert prediction
Ohio State vs No. 15 Michigan State Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 22)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Buckeyes’ recent form is 3-3 in their last six league games.
- The Spartans have gone 3-3 in their last six conference matchups.
- This marks the 145th all-time matchup between the two Big Ten squads.
The first ranked matchup of the Feb. 22 schedule will take place when the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans host the Ohio State Buckeyes. The hosts stand tall as the dominant favorite, presenting ways for Michigan State to defend homecourt and start the final stretch of conference play strong.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, Feb. 22, 1 pm ET
- Where: Breslin Center, East Lansing, Michigan
- How to Watch: CBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | -115 | +10.5 | O154 |
| Michigan State | -105 | -10.5 | U154 |
Game Preview
The Buckeyes (17-9, 9-6 Big Ten) find themselves in the middle of the pack within the Big Ten standings, vying for positive seeding in the conference tournament. Despite losing to ranked Virginia, they bounced back with a resounding upset win over No. 24 Wisconsin. Bruce Thornton had one of the best games of his career, scoring 27 points, grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out eight assists against the Badgers on Feb. 17. Amare Bynum could also make a solid impact in this matchup. He has made 10 of his last 13 shots over the past two games, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range.
The No. 15 Spartans (21-5, 11-4 Big Ten) have done well to be in the higher bracket for the conference tournament but are a few games behind first place to be in the regular-season title race. After a stunning blowout loss to Wisconsin, Michigan State bounced back with a dominant win over UCLA. They rank No. 21 nationally in scoring defense (66.4 ppg), No. 3 nationally in rebound margin (+12.5), No. 14 in rebounds per game (41.1 rpg) and No. 11 nationally in fast break points per game (17.1 ppg). Jeremy Fears Jr. leads the team with 15.1 ppg and is handing out 9.3 assists per game, first in the country. On another note, Jaxon Kohler is second on the team in scoring with 12.4 ppg and tops the team with 9.3 rpg (2nd conference, #27 nationally).
Ohio State vs Michigan State Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 144 meetings in their history, and the result is 81-63 for the Cyclones. The last matchup was in January 2025 when Michigan State won 69-62 at home.
Ohio State vs Michigan State Predictions
With five games remaining, the No. 15 Spartans need a win streak to finish conference play strong. The Buckeyes will be firm in the tournament bracket and are heading to hostile territory, presenting multiple challenges for the squad. With Michigan State possessing elite players on the defensive side of the ball, it will be challenging for Ohio State to create noise for a potential upset. Our betting pick here is the Spartans to cover a 10.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Michigan State Spartans -10.5
NCAAB
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