Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: UCLA guard Johnny Juzang
#11 Michigan State vs. #11 UCLA Odds
| Projected Spread | Michigan State -0.3 | |
| Projected Total | 132.17 | |
| Projected ML | Michigan State +100 | |
| Time | TBA | |
| TV | TBA | |
| Projected odds based on our initial PRO Projections. Odds will be added once they’re released. | ||
How Michigan St. & UCLA Match Up
| Michigan St. | vs. | UCLA |
| 166 | Tempo | 332 |
| 266 | eFG% | 83 |
| 169 | TO% | 62 |
| 95 | OR% | 84 |
| 175 | FTR | 152 |
| 71 | DeFG% | 198 |
| 330 | DTO% | 254 |
| 98 | DR% | 37 |
| 294 | DFTR | 91 |
| All stats via KenPom. | ||
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What To Know About Michigan St.
The Spartans’ late stretch of quadrant 1 victories against Illinois, Ohio State and Michigan were enough to earn Tom Izzo another trip to the dance. Michigan State would be a tough draw for a team that relies on 3-point shooting: The Spartans are 56th in 3-point defense, but struggle to generate takeaways.
A rank of 37th in defensive blocks highlights a roster that is top-35 in average height. The issues for the Spartans are terrible ranks in defensive turnovers and free throw rate. Any potential opponent of Michigan State will have the advantage with solid ball security and a high rate of getting to the charity stripe. The defensive metrics are trending upward for Sparty, but the offense still seems to be a complete work in progress. Rocket Watts and Joey Hauser both have had disappointing seasons but flashed some signs of life late in the year. If they can capture that form for a game or two in the tournament, Micigan State could make a Sweet 16 run, but that’s probably the realistic ceiling. — Collin Wilson
What To Know About UCLA
UCLA snuck into the NCAA Tournament on the back of a very efficient offense that ranks 24th in the country, according to KenPom. The Bruins slow the game down and look for the best shot, as evidence of their 335th-ranked tempo. They rank inside the top 50 in 3-point-shooting percentage this season, a rate that would be even better if guard Chris Smith didn’t tear his ACL in a New Year’s Eve game against Utah. The Bruins are fortunate to have gotten into the tournament, having lost their final four games of the season. They might not be a pick to make a run in the Big Dance. — Matt Trebby