Michigan State vs. North Carolina Prediction: Can Tyson Walker, Spartans Shock Tar Heels in Round of 32?
The Michigan State Spartans will take on the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday evening in the Round of 32. Can Tyson Walker and the Spartans shock the Heels in this battle of the blue bloods? Krabs provides his best bet in Michigan State vs. North Carolina.
Krabs - March 23, 2024, 3:12 PM EDT
5 minMichigan State vs. North Carolina Prediction: Can Tyson Walker, Spartans Shock Tar Heels in Round of 32?
Where has this Sparty team been all year? After an underwhelming season, Michigan State dominated Mississippi State in the first game of the NCAA Tournament. Does Coach Izzo’s squad have any more magic in them, or will North Carolina end their postseason run?
Michigan State vs. North Carolina DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
- Start Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Michigan State vs. North Carolina ODDS
- Spread: Michigan State +4 (-105), North Carolina -4 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 140 (-106), U 140 (-108)
- Moneyline Odds: Michigan State (+140), North Carolina (-170)
Michigan State vs. North Carolina Prediction
Was anyone else surprised to see the Tar Heels open up a 4-point favorite on Saturday? Considering how well both teams played in the first round, it’s safe to say oddsmakers are expecting this game to go down to the wire. We knew the Spartans had the talent all year, they just weren’t able to put it all together. With their season on the line, we’re going to find out if this Michigan State team is legit when they hit the court against the Tar Heels.
Last postseason, we saw Jaden Akins step up for the Spartans in a big way. He did much of the same in the first round on Thursday, dropping 15 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. If he’s able to produce along-side Tyson Walker and Malik Hall, this Michigan State team becomes a lot more dynamic. This is a team that can hang with RJ Davis and the Tar Heels.
If there were doubts about the Spartans’ ability to hold down the interior, Malik Hall, Xavier Booker, Carson Cooper and Mady Sissoko limited Mississippi State to 51 points on Thursday. That is one of the biggest teams in college basketball with Tolu Smith, one of the best big-men in the country, in the paint. Michigan State’s efforts against the Bulldogs was impressive; if they bring the same energy from the first round, the Spartans will be able to hang with Bacot and Ingram.
The public seems to be loving the Tar Heels in this spot. I don’t blame them after watching them destroy Wagner, dropping 90 points in Round 1. With all the money pouring-in on the favorite, the spread hasn’t moved. This is a great sign for Sparty backers. Expect this game to come down to the last possession in another legendary battle between two college basketball “blue bloods.”
Michigan State vs. North Carolina Pick
Pick: MSU +4 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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