This evening’s NCAA Tournament action features a matchup between Bryant and Michigan State in the South Region’s lower bracket.
The Spartans exceeded preseason expectations this season, achieving a Top 10 ranking and securing the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten tournament. Notwithstanding a commendable season, Michigan State was defeated by Wisconsin in the conference playoffs, so ending an eight-game winning streak. Bryant concluded the year with an impressive record of nine victories in their final ten games, highlighted by a 20-point triumph in the conference title.
My predictions for the Bryant at Michigan State matchup anticipate that Bryant will exhaust its fortune in what may be a dismal contest on Friday, March 21.
Which team will prevail in the matchup between Bryant and Michigan State?
It is conceivable that Bryant could achieve an unexpected outcome, and I would recommend a modest bet on any odds beyond +1250. However, Michigan State is likely to prevail more frequently, and I am selecting them to achieve that outcome. Jase Richardson’s emergence is undeniable, and he will be the preeminent player on the court.
Prediction for the Bryant versus Michigan State matchup
My optimal wager: Under 152.5 (-110 at bet365)
Until Jase Richardson concluded the season, Michigan State’s primary deficiency was a lack of agility and an individual capable of penetrating defences with dribbling skills. They are significant in March, especially in these games where one may rely on talent to succeed, even after a subpar shooting performance.
Nevertheless, this is insufficient for the Michigan State offence to dismantle Bryant. This game may present challenging viewing periods from both perspectives, and I am selecting the Under as my optimal wager.
Bryant is distinctive among mid-major teams due of its stature. They are ranked sixth nationwide in average height according to KenPom. Such occurrences are not commonplace for an institution the size of Bryant. Michigan State has encountered this situation only once this year when they competed against Michigan, who is one position higher in average height. Michigan performed admirably in both contests; yet, it is noteworthy that both results were Under.
The number above 150 reflects the anticipated possession total. I estimated a possession total of 72.5. That is not invariably the most reassuring aspect while engaging in an Under. Nevertheless, when facing a highly proficient scoring team in transition such as Michigan State, I anticipate that Bryant will inevitably decelerate to some extent. Regardless of their performance, both sides are capable of effectively defending against one another.
Bryant possesses one of the most rim-dependent offences in the nation. They do not execute numerous offensive sets, resulting in their conclusion of the season with the 16th-highest number of field goal attempts at the rim nationally. Michigan State will provide no difficulties for you. It is unsurprising for a team coached by Tom Izzo, but Sparty excels at guarding against downhill drivers. Sparty has restricted adversaries to .66 points per possession on dribble jumpers, .65 PPP in the mid-range, and .86 PPP on rim assaults. This is catastrophic for the Bulldogs, as it nearly undermines the entirety of their attacking structure.
Michigan State possesses the capability to score defensively; nevertheless, their offence has not operated at peak efficiency throughout the season. What is particularly remarkable entering the postseason is Michigan State’s fortunate performance in three-point shooting. As previously said, one of the most indicative metrics of three-point shooting is two-point shooting, and by the conclusion of the year, Sparty shown a significantly higher accuracy from beyond the arc compared to within two-point range. This indicates regression, and it is an unfavourable time of year for such an occurrence.
Aside from that, Bryant is expected to adequately defend the halfcourt strategies employed by Michigan State. Bryant excels in the intermediate area of the court, restricting opponents to .74 points per possession from mid-range, and effectively disrupts several high-low plays executed by Michigan State involving Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, and others. Their considerable size is effectively utilised in this context.
We combined two player propositions with our optimal wager to create this same-game parlay.
The initial instance is Jase Richardson surpassing 16 points. As previously stated, Richardson has performed admirably to conclude the season, and his presence will be essential here. Bryant exhibits difficulty in off-the-dribble defence, while Richardson is not the most proficient dribble creator on the Michigan State roster.
We concluded our dealings with Jaxon Kohler regarding over 6.5 rebounds. The reasoning could not be more explicit. We anticipate numerous misses, and Kohler is the preeminent rebounder on the court.
