Michigan State at Ohio State

Young Michigan State is a dog, but talented, well coached, and on the rise, winning eight of 10. Freshman Nick Ward is one of the top low-post scoring threats in the Big Ten (13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game). They come off a 65-47 win over Minnesota, and Michigan State is 9-2 ATS on the road. The Spartans have held Big Ten opponents to a .391 field-goal percentage, the best mark in conference play, while their .280 three-point field-goal percentage defense ranks second. The Spartans are on a 16-5 ATS run in Big Ten play. They face a slumping Ohio State squad that has lost four in a row, including as a favorite against Illinois. Rebounding has been a problem for Ohio State in Big Ten play with the Buckeyes getting outboarded by 6.5 per game. Thad Matta's squad is allowing 14.7 offensive rebounds against conference foes, capped by Wisconsin grabbing 21 in Thursday's 89-66 disaster. The Buckeyes 6-15 ATS as a favorite of 0.5-6.5, and the Spartans are 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings at Ohio State. Play Michigan State.