Michigan State vs. Mississippi State

Michigan St. can thank a tough schedule and some good metrics to be in the NCAA Tournament with 14 losses on the season. The Spartans have a solid defense allowing 65.9 points per game. They have played five neutral site games where they have allowed just 31 PPG in the first half. Miss St. is one of the best defensive teams in the country as the Bulldogs are allowing a stingy 61.8 PPG in their nine neutral court games, and that includes just 27.9 PPG for their opponents in the first half. This is a couple of defense first teams, playing at a neutral court, where shooting backgrounds come into play, as well as opening round jitters. Defense has travelled well for both teams. I like the first half to play UNDER the total.