So far, it has been an inconsistent campaign for the Michigan State Spartans and Iowa Hawkeyes. Both teams have had moments that showed March Madness Betting potential. And then they would lose in ways to make them look unworthy of a shot at the big dance. Iowa’s problem is a defense that remains among the worst in college basketball. Iowa loves to run and gun. And while that is exciting, it is not a recipe for a serious Final Four run. By contrast, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo emphasizes fundamentals. But his players don’t always agree on the approach.
CBB Betting: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans Information
| Date: |
Thursday, January 26, 2023 |
| Time: |
7 p.m. ET |
| Location: |
Breslin Events Center, East Lansing, Michigan |
| TV Coverage: |
FS1 |
Iowa vs. Michigan State CashBet Wagering Analysis
Michigan State is the bigger Online Sportsbook brand in this matchup. Cause by its better and more frequent success in the NCAA tournament. Also, Tom Izzo is a college basketball coaching icon. His name resonates with the casual sector in a way that Iowa head coach Fran McCaffrey can’t match. Iowa will generate interest from Wise Guys as quality home dogs. In turn, the Sharps realize that Michigan State has vastly more cache with squares. And that means a higher price for the Spartans.
Hawkeyes Remains on Dimensional Team
The Iowa Hawkeyes are 12-7 straight up, 11-8 against the spread, and 11-8 over/under the total. Iowa has national rankings of 18th for scoring offense, 127th for field goal percentage, 162nd for 3-point field goal percentage, 111th for free throw percentage, and 47th for offensive rebounding. On defense, Iowa has national rankings of 292nd for scoring defense, 305th for field goal percentage permitted, 236th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 289th for defensive rebounding.
Iowa got the cash in four of its previous five games. Only two of its last ten games went under the 2023 March Madness Betting total. Kris Murray leads Iowa with 21.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest.
Of major concern is the continuous problems of the Iowa defense. The lack of a reliable defense has been their downfall at NCAA Tournament time.
Sparty On and Off with Inconsistent Campaign
The Michigan State Spartans are 13-7 straight up, 11-9 against the spread, and 10-10 over/under the total. Michigan State has national rankings of 225th for scoring offense, 166th for field goal percentage, 35th for 3-point field goal percentage, 31st for free throw percentage, and 91st for offensive rebounding. On defense, Michigan State has national rankings of 68th for scoring defense, 38th for field goal percentage permitted, 28th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 129th for defensive rebounding.
Late on, Michigan State covered eight of its previous ten games. Four of its last six games went under the bet on NCAA basketball total. Tyson Walker leads Sparty with 14.6 points per game.
Tom Izzo, age 67, is a living legend. He took over as head coach of the Spartans in 1995. Following a 12-year apprenticeship as the top assistant to previous legendary head coach Judd Heathcote. Izzo has a litany of accomplishments that include the 2020 national championship. Also, he has eight Final Four appearances, ten Big Ten regular season, and six Big Ten Tournament championships.
Despite all of that going for him, Izzo has become more irritable in recent seasons. The transfer portal and NIL have caused legends like Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski, and Jay Wright to retire. And there is a sense that Izzo will soon follow suit. Additionally, Izzo coaches his players hard. And this is an era where many players prefer to be cuddled.
Iowa vs.Michigan State CashBet Free Pick
As mentioned earlier, the Iowa Hawkeyes are a solid 2023 March Madness Betting contrarian bet against the masses. Michigan State is too public and too expansive in this spot.
Iowa vs. Michigan State CashBet Best Bet
Iowa Hawkeyes
