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USC vs. Michigan State picks, predictions: Who wins NCAA Tournament first-round game?

jeremy cluff, arizona republic
·3 min read

No. 10 seed USC and No. 7 seed Michigan State face off on Friday in an NCAA Tournament first-round game.

The game is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. MST and can be seen on CBS.

Who will win the game?

Check out these picks and predictions for the contest.

Michigan State is a 2.5-point favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.

Fansided: Take Michigan State on the moneyline vs. USC

Vinnie Portell writes: "When you consider that Michigan State is so good at 3-point shooting and burying free-throws, it’s easy to see why they’re favored to win. Both of these categories are essential to have in March and it makes coming back from a deficit that much easier. USC, however, doesn’t have the offense (outside the top 100 in offensive efficiency and 3-point shooting) to come back from a big deficit, or to win a shoot-off late. I’ll take Michigan State on the moneyline at -135 odds and bank on shooting winning the day."

Sporting News: Michigan State 76, USC 73

Jovan Alford writes: "This should be a fun game to start Friday between two teams looking to punch their ticket to Sunday and start with a clean slate. The Spartans have better shooters and three-point defense, which will play a notable role in this contest. Furthermore, both teams aren't great at rebounding this season, but USC has a slight advantage in offensive rebounding (9.4) over Michigan State (8.9), leading to more second-chance opportunities. That said, we like the Spartans to win in a close one, as they have a better trio of veteran scorers and will have a decisive homecourt advantage playing in Columbus."

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FanDuel: Michigan State 73, USC 70

Devon Platana wrote: "As mentioned before, Michigan State has a 92.3% winning rate in its last 13 games as the favorite. The Spartans will use their superior rebounding and accuracy to give the Trojans a headache before relying on their defense to close things out. USC will keep things close, but the little things that MSU does right will pay off."

NCAA Tournament odds: 2023 March Madness point spreads, money lines, over/unders for games

Will Michigan State beat USC in the first round of the NCAA Tournament?
Will Michigan State beat USC in the first round of the NCAA Tournament?

Sportsbook Wire: Michigan State 70, USC 69

It writes: "Michigan State has put together a 15-16-0 record against the spread this season. USC has put together a 17-15-0 ATS record so far this season."

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Sports Chat Place: Go with Michigan State to cover vs. USC

Randy Chambers writes: "The USC Trojans have a lot of talented players who could get hot and lead to a victory or so in this tournament. However, the lack of battle tested opponents scares me, especially against a bully team like Michigan State that has scars and doesn’t back down. You know you’re getting a tough-minded team in Sparty and the Tom Izzo effect has to play a role as well. I’ll lay the bucket with Michigan State."

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: USC vs. Michigan State picks, predictions for NCAA Tournament game