Michigan State vs. Ohio State: NCAA betting odds, preview, and pick

The Ohio State Buckeyes will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they take to the court Thursday evening against the Michigan State Spartans.

The visiting Spartans are 19-10 overall on the season and 10-8 in conference play. They were blown out by Michigan in their last contest, and have lost four of their last five.

The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are 18-9 overall and 11-7 in conference play. They have suffered back-to-back disappointing losses after winning an impressive game on the road at Illinois. Let’s break down the matchup, beginning with the latest betting odds available.

Buckeyes and Spartans both looking to snap out of slumps

Both teams are clearly experiencing a late-season slump. The Spartans are struggling to find a scorer they can rely on when they really need to get points, and Gabe Brown is the only player on the team averaging double-digits for the year.

The Buckeyes have struggled defensively in their last two matchups, surrendering 75 points to Maryland and 78 to Nebraska. Against two of the bottom-four teams in the conference and running at the 277th slowest tempo in NCAA, this is unacceptable. Ohio State's perimeter defense, in particular, has been notably poor.

Looking at each team’s slumping nature, it appears Ohio State is in a far better position to get back on track at this critical point in the season.

Finding efficient offense and a reliable scorer is much more difficult this late in the year than sharpening up your perimeter defense. Ohio State still has a top 10 offense, and with the season ending soon the Buckeyes should be extra motivated to secure a preferential seed and top four spot in the Big Ten.

Michigan State vs. Ohio State Betting Trends

• Michigan State is 0-5 against the spread in its last five road games
• The favorite is 11-3 against the spread in the last 14 matchups between these teams
• The home team is 9-2 against the spread in the last 11 matchups between these teams
• Ohio State is 6-2 against the spread in its last eight games following a straight-up loss
• The Under is 5-2 against the spread in Ohio State’s last seven home games

Buckeyes will get back on track

The Buckeyes know exactly what they need to do to turn things around and secure a coveted top four spot in the conference.

Fifth-year senior Kyle Young exited the last game with illness and his status is currently unclear, but assuming he is recovered and ready to go he should bring inspirational leadership to a home team that is better in the efficiency rankings and has defended its home court admirably in this series over the years.

If the Buckeyes can limit the Spartans from getting open 3s, their offense will prove too good for the Spartans to keep pace.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 70, Michigan State 62

NCAAB pick: Ohio State -6

Michigan State vs. Ohio State pick powered by The Quant Edge

Our predictive engine is calling for Ohio State to win and Michigan State to cover.