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Game Preview: Michigan State Spartans vs Iowa Hawkeyes
Unbeaten records are on the line as the Michigan State Spartans host the surprising Iowa Hawkeyes on Tuesday night in East Lansing. Both programs enter this Big Ten opener at 7-0, though they’ve taken very different paths to perfection.
Michigan State has faced one of the most challenging non-conference schedules in the country, with victories over Arkansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Meanwhile, Iowa, under first-year head coach Ben McCollum, has quietly built its streak with a newfound defensive identity and breakout performances from senior guard Bennett Stirtz.
This is the only regular season meeting between the two programs and a key early test for Iowa’s legitimacy in the Big Ten race.
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Odds and Key Information
| Line | Consensus Market |
|---|---|
| Spread | Michigan State -8.5 |
| Moneyline | Michigan State -390, Iowa +290 |
| Total (Over/Under) | 139.5 |
| Game Time | 8:30 PM ET, Tuesday, Dec. 2 |
| Venue | Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI |
Get live market updates at NCAAB odds and scores.
Michigan State Outlook
The Spartans are rolling early, defeating three ranked teams while building chemistry and toughness. A deep Elite Eight run last year is already paying dividends as Michigan State’s experienced roster looks battle-tested.
Third-year point guard Jeremy Fears has taken a major leap, averaging 12 points and a nation-leading 9.7 assists per game. His poise and playmaking have elevated MSU’s offense, which averages 78.9 points per game while allowing only 63.5.
Carson Cooper (10.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG) and Jaxon Kohler (14.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG) have added consistent frontcourt production. Coach Tom Izzo has praised the team’s toughness and chemistry, calling it one of his most connected squads in recent years.
Michigan State is 5-0 at home this season and looks to extend its strong early-season form with conference play underway.
Review full team stats at NCAAB teams.
Iowa Outlook
The Iowa Hawkeyes have defied expectations under first-year head coach Ben McCollum, starting 7-0 despite major turnover and a preseason projection near the bottom of the Big Ten.
A high-powered offensive team in past seasons, Iowa now wins with defense. The Hawkeyes are holding opponents to just 61.1 PPG and have adopted a more rugged, team-first mentality. McCollum has emphasized “winning ugly,” and the results so far have been impressive.
Senior guard Bennett Stirtz, who followed McCollum from Drake, is averaging 18.6 points and shooting 45.7% from deep. He earned MVP honors at the Acrisure Classic after averaging 21 points in two wins.
While their schedule hasn’t included a ranked opponent, Iowa’s improved shot selection, rebounding, and ball movement have them trending upward entering conference play.
More roster breakdowns available at NCAAB teams.
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Point Guard Play | Michigan State |
| Three-Point Shooting | Iowa |
| Interior Defense | Michigan State |
| Turnover Margin | Even |
| Coaching Experience | Michigan State |
Fears vs. Stirtz will be a defining backcourt battle, but the Spartans’ edge in frontcourt depth and defense looms large.
Betting Trends
- Michigan State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 Big Ten home games.
- The total has gone Under in 4 of Michigan State’s last 5 home games.
- Iowa is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games as a road underdog.
- The total has gone Under in 5 of Iowa’s last 6 games overall.
- Iowa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games vs Michigan State.
- Michigan State is 7-0 SU in its last 7 home games.
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Prediction
While both teams are unbeaten, Michigan State’s strength of schedule, home-court advantage, and veteran leadership give them a significant edge. Iowa’s defense is real, and Bennett Stirtz can keep them competitive for stretches, but depth and tempo control favor the Spartans.
Expect Tom Izzo’s squad to assert dominance in the paint and force Iowa into difficult half-court sets. The Hawkeyes’ defensive scheme could keep it under the total, but they’ll need a near-perfect shooting night to pull off the upset.
Projected Score: Michigan State 74, Iowa 63
Spread Pick: Michigan State -8.5
Total Lean: Under 139.5
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Why You Need Expert Picks
Big Ten openers can be unpredictable—especially when both teams are undefeated. That’s why the Handicappers Leaderboard is critical for bettors. Get expert picks with verified performance data, so you know who’s winning and why.
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