Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9-6) vs. Michigan State Spartans (9-7)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan State Spartans 1/14/24 – The upcoming NCAA Men’s Basketball clash between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Michigan State Spartans promises to be a riveting contest. Set for Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, this game sees the 9-6 Rutgers going head-to-head with the 9-7 Spartans. With both teams closely matched in their win-loss records, this midday game, with its TV broadcast details yet to be announced, is shaping up to be a crucial battle for both teams. Fans and bettors are keenly looking for reliable NCAAB game choices, and this matchup offers plenty of intrigue.
Rutgers has displayed an overall 9-6 record and an overall trend toward lower scoring games, hitting 22 of 32 Game Total Unders in their last 32 matches and 21 Team Total Unders over this span. Their focus on strong defense over high-scoring offense seems evident from hitting 9 1H Game Total Overs in 14 away games which shows some early offensive burst potential.
Michigan State is comparable to Rutgers in terms of their win-loss record but presents a different profile. Their home game trends, particularly hitting the 1H Game Total Under in 13 of their last 20 home games indicates cautious approach while hitting 1H Moneyline 14 times out of 20 attests their strength at seizing an early advantage. With an average scoring output of 77.4 points per game, Michigan State seems to take an approach which provides equal balance between offense and defense.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan State Spartans 1/14/24 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Jack Breslin Student Events Center |
| TV: | TBA |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Aundre Hyatt (Forward) vs. Tyson Walker (Guard)
Aundre Hyatt has been a steady contributor in his senior season at Rutgers. Through 15 games, Hyatt has averaged 27.5 minutes per contest. He’s posting 11.9 points on 39.2% shooting from the field along with 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per outing. Hyatt has provided decent efficiency with his scoring opportunities while impacting the glass at a high rate for his position. He also chips in nearly a steal and block per game on the defensive end. However, Hyatt’s contributions come with some turnover issues. He’s coughing it up 1.1 times per contest.
Tyson Walker has taken a major step forward in his junior campaign running Michigan State’s offense. Walker is playing 30.9 minutes a night, in which he’s averaging 20.4 points on a 49% clip. He’s also tacking on 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range. Walker’s quickness and advanced ball handling allow him to create space for shots from all over the court. He can beat defenders off the dribble and pull up from mid-range or attack all the way to the rim. Walker’s efficiency and low turnover rate have been hugely impactful.
This individual matchup will come down to scoring efficiency and physicality. Hyatt has the size and rebounding to bully Walker inside. But Walker is the more dynamic penetrate-and-kick playmaker. If Hyatt can establish deep post position and crash the boards, it’ll open up looks for others. However, if Walker is knocking down jumpers and beating Hyatt laterally, the Spartans will have the upper hand.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds and point spread for this game will be pivotal in understanding the expected dynamics of the contest. The trends suggest a close matchup, with potential edge cases based on individual performances and team strategies.
Rutgers Scarlet Betting Trends
The Scarlet Knights have gone under the total in 22 of their last 32 games. This shows they tend to play lower-scoring, grind-it-out contests. Rutgers has also gone under 21 times in their last 32 outings. However, the Scarlet Knights have gone over the 1st half total in 9 of 14 recent away matchups. This suggests they start hot on the road before fading.
Michigan State Betting Trends
At home, the Spartans have gone under the 1st half total in 13 of 20 games while also going under the game total 12 times. Michigan State has covered the 1H moneyline in 14 of those 20 contests as well. But they have only bested the full game spread in 14 of 30 overall this year. The 1st half over and game under trend shows the Spartans jump ahead but then allow teams to catch up.
Rutgers Scarlet vs. Michigan State 1/14/24 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, this game is expected to be a closely contested affair. Rutgers’ defensive approach might counter Michigan State’s more balanced game plan effectively.
In terms of picks, the better team might be Michigan State, considering their home court advantage and slightly more consistent overall performance. Prop bets could focus on individual performances, especially those of Hyatt and Walker. The over/under will depend on the opening lines, but a bet on the under might align with the trends, especially considering Rutgers’ defensive play style. For team handicappers’ picks, it’s advisable to pay close attention to the pre-game strategies and lineup decisions.
Free Pick and Prediction: Michigan State Spartans 68, Rutgers Scarlet 65