Michigan State and UCLA meet in the first four matchups Thursday at the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
The game is at the Mackay Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:57 pm ET, and the game will be broadcast on TBS. Michigan State (15-12) is making its 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under Tom Izzo. The Spartans have four wins against the top five teams this season, but they also finished with a 9–11 record in Big Ten games.
UCLA (17-9) is back in the tournament under second-year coach Mick Cronin. The Bruins have five players, averaging double figures, but UCLA won their last four games of the regular season.
Who has the edge in this battle of college basketball blueblades?
Here’s everything you need to know about betting on UCLA vs. Michigan State in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, including updated odds, trends and our prediction for the First Four game.
MORE MARCH MADNESS: TV Schedule | Printable bracket | Difference
UCLA vs Michigan State Odds
- Spread: Michigan State-2
- over under: Is 135.5
- money Line: Michigan State-136, UCLA + 116
Three betting trends to watch
– Michigan State has 3–11 ATS as favorites this season. The Spartans have been in favor of only one of their last 10 games.
– The Bruins are 2-3 ATS as underdogs this season, but they are 11-7 ATS as underdogs the past two seasons with Cronin.
– UCLA 8-3 is decided by five points or less in S / U games. The Spartans are 2-1 S / U in the same position.
Michigan State Key Players
Junior Aaron Henry leads the Spartans with 15.3 points per game. The 6-6 forward connected with Joey Hauser with 5.7 rebounds per game. Josh Langford is an all-around player for the Spartans and guard Rocket Watts leads Michigan State with 2.7 assists per game.
UCLA Key Players
Guard Johnny Jujang leads the Bruins with 14.0 points per game. Guard Jamie Jacquez averages 11.7 ppg. And 6.0 rpg. Tiger Campbell averaged 10.5 points and 5.6 assists, and Jules Bernard averaged 104 points per game. Forward Cody Riley averages 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds.
Best Individual Matchup: Jujang vs Henry
Xuang was transferred from Kentucky to UCLA. He is a dynamic scorer, but when he scores 20 or more points, the Bruins are only 1-3. With Bruce using a four-guard lineup, Henry could move on to protect Xuzang. The Spartans are 6–1 when Henry scores 20 points or more.
To know UCLA vs. Michigan State State
The Spartans are generally one of the best defending teams in the country, but they averaged 26.7 rebounds per game this season. This is down from last year’s average of 29.5, which was top-10 in the nation. Michigan State does not force a lot of turnovers, so it will be important to limit those second-chance points.
Go to find out … rocket vats
The Michigan State tournament usually rests at point guard, and Watts has been up and down for the Spartans this season. He had 21 points in the regular season finale against Michigan, but he had only three points in the Big Ten tournament for Maryland. Given UCLA’s strength at guard, Watts will need to be more vocal on both ends.
UCLA vs Michigan State Prediction
This is a contrast in styles, and UCLA presents a challenge for the Spartans with their 3-point shooting. Michigan State committed 13 turnovers per game, so Watts and Langford would have to control the tempo. The Spartans can disrupt the Bruins with their distinctive physical style, and we like how Michigan State ended the season. It will be an entertaining game and a lot of those close game trends will favor UCLA. We will still go here with the Spartans.
final score: Michigan State 71, UCLA 68
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