The Bulls have beaten up on the bottom feeders with a 4-0 mark but have struggled and sometimes mightily when taking on tougher competition. The Spartans have a strength of schedule rank of 21, so they can play with the best for sure, but they don’t always have the will to blow out lesser opponents.
Line Movement
This game opened with Michigan State as a -16 favorite, but public backing of Buffalo has seen the line drop to 15.5 at most sportsbooks. The total line hit the board at 144.5 but has roared up 149.5 points.
Buffalo will be looking for another win, as they most recently defeated SUNY Canton by a score of 129-62.
Michigan State is coming off a 67-54 win over Oakland. However, they did not cover the spread in the game as -21.5 point favorites. The combined 121 points did not surpass the 144.5 total line.
Current Form
Buffalo
Over their last five games, Buffalo has a straight-up record of 3-2 while going 2-1 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Bulls’ offense averages 88.8 points per game while hitting 49.5% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 43.0% from the field while allowing 73.0 points per contest.
Michigan State
In their previous five contests, Michigan State is 3-2 straight-up and 2-3 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 63.4 points per game on a shooting percentage of 43.0%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 38.5% of their shots while giving up 60.4 points per game.
Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played
This season, the combined power rating of Buffalo’s opponents comes in at 71.5. On the other side, Michigan State’s combined opponent power rating sits at 80.5.
How Does Buffalo Fare On The Road?
For the season, the Bulls have played four road games and have a record of 1-3. In these contests, Buffalo is 4-0 vs. the spread. Offensively, they have averaged 74.0 points per game on a shooting percentage of 46.6%. On defense, the Bulls allow 83.5 points per contest when playing away from home. So far, opposing teams have a field goal percentage of 48.3% in these games.
How Does Michigan State Fare At Home?
In their eight games at home, Michigan State has a 3-5 record vs. the spread while going 6-2 straight-up. On offense, the Spartans are shooting 40.1% on their home floor, leading to 70.8 points per game. Defensively, opponents are shooting 34.0% in these contests. The Michigan State defense is allowing 66.0 points per game at home.
Offense vs. Defense
For the season, Buffalo is averaging 79.9 points per game (16th) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 45.5%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Michigan State defense that has allowed an average of 66.4 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 36.4% of their shots vs. Michigan State. On the other side, the Michigan State Spartans are coming into the game averaging 72.1 points per game on a shooting percentage of 45.7%. The Spartans will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 76.3 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 44.4% of their shots vs. the Bulls.
- Get more details: Buffalo at Michigan State 12/30/22 Betting Stats
Three-Point Shooting
From beyond the arc, Buffalo has a shooting percentage of 34.2% while ranking 209th in attempts per game. The Bulls will be facing a Michigan State defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 27.9%. Michigan State enters the game having hit 37.8% of their looks from deep while averaging 7.18 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Buffalo has allowed opponents to hit 32.7% of their shots from beyond the arc.
Injuries Of Note
Buffalo
- No Reported Injuries
Michigan State
- Malik Hall (Probable) Foot
