College Basketball Odds & Picks Today: Bet On Ohio State To Beat Michigan State?

Within Friday’s college basketball odds board, the No. 18 Michigan State Spartans (10-2) face the Ohio State Buckeyes (9-4) at Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes are near the rear of my college basketball power rankings, with the Spartans on the outside looking in. Let’s assess Ohio State vs. MSU odds, including potential same-game parlay options.
Click any odds to place a bet. You can also scan the best sportsbook promos from the best sports betting sites.
ohio state vs. Michigan state: spread, moneyline, total
College Basketball Futures Odds
Search for the latest futures betting odds regarding Ohio State, Michigan State, or any other team. For more March Madness odds, click “Show all bets.”
My college basketball Pick: Ohio state ML
With Big 10 play heating up, I’ve circled this game as a sell-high spot for Michigan State. If you’re unfamiliar with situational spots, they attempt to uncover conditions in which programs have exceeded or underperformed their usual level of play — relative to the moneyline or spread. Tom Izzo’s team has won six straight matchups, with its opponents shooting just 30.9% from behind the arc during this span.
Enter Ohio State, which ranks 13th nationally in 3-point shooting (39.3%) and is starting to hit its stride on both ends. Much revolves around the return of Kentucky transfer Aaron Bradshaw, who missed seven games due to an off-court investigation before returning for the Champions Classic on Dec. 21. The Buckeyes responded with a 20-point victory over Kentucky.
In a small sample size, Ohio State allows almost 0.15 points per possession fewer with Bradshaw on the court. While some regression is inevitable, his rim protection will pay dividends against a rim-oriented offense with a spotty perimeter attack.
To boot, the Buckeyes’ transition defense settles in the 78th percentile (via Synergy). It’s a significant weapon against Jaden Akins and Co., uber-reliant on pushing the tempo.
Conversely, OSU’s offense is at its best when scoring in isolation, especially in pick-and-roll sets for Bruce Thornton and the rest of its explosive backcourt. The Buckeyes should have an edge in this area, as the Spartans’ defense is vulnerable in the paint and the mid-range.
Injury-wise, Ohio State wing Micah Parrish (ankle) missed this last contest but could return tonight. Guard Meechie Johnson (personal) remains away from the team, but his absence has gifted more minutes to four-star marksman John Mobley Jr.
- Related: Eli’s Longshot College Basketball Futures Pick
Final Thoughts
Good or bad, I’m always transparent with my picks, which you will see in our free sports betting Discord channel. Head to the #roles server to enroll in these push notifications. So far, I’ve gone 5-3 (+1.38 units) with my college basketball plays. Best of luck with your wagers on Ohio State vs. MSU odds!