Michigan State Spartans (11-2) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-4)
Michigan State Spartans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes January 3 2025 – The Michigan State Spartans, who own an 11-2 record, will take on their Ohio State Buckeyes, who hold a 9-4, in the next NCAA men’s basketball match and it promises to be interesting. This match is not just played for the purposes of winning, but domination over one another with regards to the other development including strategies employed by the team throughout the season and the players. As the match will be aired on FOX, fans are looking forward to spectacular Friday night baskeball.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes January 3 2025 Game Info
| When: | Friday, January 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Value City Arena |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Michigan State Spartans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Michigan State | +110 | +2 (-110) | Over 148.5 (-110) |
| Ohio State | -130 | -2 (-110) | Under 148.5 (-110) |
The Spartans begin as slight underdogs, a curious position considering their impressive 11-2 record. The Buckeyes, who are favored to win at -2, will be on the hunt for a victory on their own court. The total set at 148.5 points opens up the expectation of a high-scoring duel, which is consistent with the attacking strength of both sides.
Jaden Akins (Guard) vs. Bruce Thornton (Guard)
Jaden Akins from Michigan State has been consistent throughout the season. He participated in all 13 games and scored an average of 13.7 points while shooting 45.3% from the field. Although he made 86.7% of his free throws, showing reliability during crucial periods, his 27% three-point shooting would most likely be exposed by Ohio State’s defense.
On the other hand, Bruce Thornton for Ohio State not only has integrity but impressive milestones as well. He scored 17.4 points while shooting field goals at 55.8% efficiency and 49% from 3. Not only did Thornton score, but he also assisted footage over 4.8 times on average.
When Akins and Thornton face off on the court, their approaches will be versatile. Akins’s speed and quickness, countering Thornton’s shooting ability and play-making skills, will set the tone, strategy, and pace of the game.
Spartans’ Surge: A Look at Recent Form
Michigan state has remained in good shape owing to their previous matches with Western Michigan and Florida Atlantic which they managed to win rather convincingly with the matches wrapping up at 80-62 and 86-69 respectively. The team’s strong offensive tactics and accurate shooting have more than come in handy as they are able to maintain an average that would compete with any other top teams in NCAA.
Buckeyes’ Home Court Advantage
On the Ohio state side of the equation. They are also performing strongly in their home matches as they have done against Indiana and Kentucky, with the Kickbacks beating Indiana 103-83 and Kentucky 85-65. The tendency of the Buckeyes to dominate scorers while still considering defensive requirements and/or playing the game at their home makes it difficult to any team that tries to visit.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Trends
Michigan State are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Michigan State’s last 9 games.
Michigan State are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games.
Michigan State are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against Ohio State.
Michigan State are 13-6 SU in their last 19 games against Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends
Ohio State are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ohio State’s last 6 games.
Ohio State are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ohio State’s last 7 games against Michigan State.
Ohio State are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games at home.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Previews
The statistics and recent performances of the teams indicate that this match up will be an interesting one. Both Michigan State’s fighting spirit and Ohio State’s home court advantage set up an evenly matched affair. The Spartans may be underdogs but it may be prudent to bet on them to cover +2 as they have a good ATS record.
The Buckeyes on the other hand with their great scoring and defensive record at home make the UNDER a good bet too especially for this game as both teams trend towards low scoring against strong competition.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 74, Michigan State 72.
