Game-Michigan vs Michigan State
Opening line- Michigan state -2
Closing line-Michigan -1
Betting percentages-Michigan state 57% Michigan 43%
Sharp Money Play- Michigan +1
Tonight’s in state rivalry game between Michigan(19)and Michigan State(9) should prove to be a hard fought and competitive match up, especially since both clubs are coming off tough road losses to inferior teams. The key match up for tonight’s game will be between Michigan’s’ stellar freshman pg Trey Burke and Michigan States’ pg Keith Appling. Both players are coming off of strong road performances with Burke scoring 19 point in his last outing and Appling dropping 17 points respectively against Northwestern. Although only a freshman Burke has already gained a lot of experience and has proved to be one of the better point guards in the country, from being given the starting pg position at the beginning of the year and holding his own and outplaying some of the country’s best point guards. Appling is also playing exceptional ball especially given the fact that he was recruited as a shooting guard and this is his first season at playing only the pg role. Between this match up i have to give the edge to the feisty Trey Burke for his ability penetrate and to find the open man. The x factor for tonight’s game will be Michigan’s’ zone defense and also Michigan States lack of 3 point shooting. With Michigan’s ability to shoot the three at multiple positions, it is going to force Michigan states big men to step out and play defense and to also make them run with a smaller line up at times in tonight’s game, taking away their advantage of attacking the glass and getting rebounds. I expect the Wolverines to have a strong showing tonight at home in front of a sold crowd and to come out victorious in tonight match up between Michigan State. Take Michigan +