There are some who would say that the college basketball calendar reads January, February, Izzo. For whatever reason, the legendary Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo just seems to get the most out of his teams at the most important time of the year, while Kansas State front man Jerome Tang has his team in the Sweet 16 in his first year as a head coach. Offshore oddsmakers are expecting a close one as the Sweet 16 gets underway on Thursday.
Before Betting on Michigan State vs Kansas State
Michigan State has a definite edge in coaching experience, but KSU didn’t seem to be fazed last weekend when they took down John Calipari’s Kentucky squad 75-69 to extend Tang’s first year as head coach after replacing Bruce Weber in the offseason.
KSU may have the more talented team in this matchup, and it might not be close. Markquis Nowell went for 27 points against Kentucky in the round of 32 and opened March Madness with 17 points and 14 assists in a victory over Montana State. Nowell is a New York native so playing Thursday’s game at Madison Square Garden will be extra special. He’s got help, as Keyontae Johnson – who turned down a $5 million insurance policy to play this season – is averaging 15.0 ppg so far in the tournament.
Izzo gets all the respect in the world, but Michigan State players may find themselves with a chip on their shoulder heading into Thursday night’s game. The Big Ten has been ostracized this tournament as the Spartans are the only team left from what many thought was arguably the best conference in the country, but MSU still looked good last weekend in quality wins over USC (72-62) and #2 seed Marquette (69-60).
Spartans vs Wildcats NCAAB Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | MSU (1.80) | KSU (2.04) | 137 | MSU -1.5 (1.91) | KSU +1.5 (1.91) |
| Bovada | MSU (1.80) | KSU (2.05) | 137.5 | MSU -1.5 (1.91) | KSU +1.5 (1.91) |
| BetUS | MSU (OFF) | KSU (OFF) | 137.5 | MSU -1.5 (1.91) | KSU +1.5 (1.91) |
| SportsBetting.ag | MSU (1.80) | KSU (2.04) | 137 | MSU -1.5 (1.91) | KSU +1.5 (1.91) |
| Pinnacle | MSU (1.83) | KSU (2.08) | 137.5 | MSU -1.5 (1.94) | KSU +1.5 (1.94) |
| MyBookie | MSU (1.80) | KSU (2.04) | 137.5 | MSU -1.5 (1.91) | KSU +1.5 (1.91) |
Michigan State vs Kansas State Prediction & Pick
This would have been a good game to play the coaching experience angle if Kansas State had not just knocked out the seasoned veteran Calipari last round. It looks like KSU has something special going, and they are battle tested playing in the Big 12 gauntlet this season – the true best conference in the nation.
