Michigan State vs New Mexico Prediction, Preview & Odds: NCAA Tournament Second Round

Michigan State vs New Mexico How To Watch

Date: Sunday, March 23
Venue: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Time: 8:40 pm ET
TV: TNT
Teams: (10) New Mexico (27-7), (2) Michigan State (23-)
Region: South NCAA Tournament Schedule, Predictions, Previews

Why New Mexico Will Win

Bryant made it a ballgame against the Spartans - for about 30 minutes - by banging away on the glass. As always this is a killer Michigan State team on the boards, but Bryant was fearless, kept attacking inside, and held up until things started falling the wrong way late.

New Mexico was No. 1 in the Mountain West in rebounding, held up late against Marquette by keeping it off the offensive glass, and coming up with eight steals.

Bryant dominated the turnover battle against MSU - it was ultra-careful with the ball and didn’t take many hurried or panic shots. It just keep pressuring, and Michigan State had to work for it.

The Lobos also led the Mountain West in takeaways.

Why Michigan State Will Win

No, Michigan State won’t be out rebounded by New Mexico.

It wasn’t its confident, explosive self against Bryant - it played like it didn’t want to make any big mistakes. It was well rested after the time off - it had a week between the Big Ten Tournament and the first round game - and it played a bit rusty.

New Mexico might have been hot late in the season, but it beat a slew of mediocre Mountain West teams. Taking out Marquette was impressive, but it has to get hot early and keep hitting its shots.

Michigan State has a way of wearing down teams late and taking over in the final ten minutes, and that’s where the Lobos have to work.

They’re 22-2 when making 42% of more of their shots, and …

Michigan State vs New Mexico: Who Will Win?

Teams average just 40.3% from the field against the Spartans.

Bryant was able to get close, and then one quick Spartan run forced a ton of threes, one-and-done possessions, and that’s when the Big Ten regular season champ took over. The Spartans will advance, but they’ll get knocked around for a half first.

Michigan State vs New Mexico Prediction, Betting Lines

Prediction: Michigan State 78, New Mexico 70
Michigan State vs New Mexico Betting Lines
BetMGM Line: MSU -7.5, o/u: 148.5
DraftKings Line: MSU -7.5, o/u: 148.5
FanDuel Line: , o/u: MSU -7.5, o/u: 148.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
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