Coachless LSU Offers an Interesting Contrast to Sparty's Ultra-Coach Izzo

While suspended LSU head coach Will Wade is occupied with his legal options, his team's been busy winning.

The Bayou Bengals won the regular season SEC title, lost to Florida in the conference tournament, and then eked through Yale and Maryland to secure a meeting with the big, bad Michigan State Spartans.

And they're coached by a smaller, badder Tom Izzo who's been feeling cranky lately.

 

Bovada has set the line at Michigan State -6, the total at 148, and the moneyline at LSU +230 and Michigan State -280.

Why bet on LSU ...

Give lotsa credit to interim coach Tony Benford, who's pushed the right buttons as the Tigers have weaved and bobbed to get to the Dance's second weekend. He's done his bit to keep their focus and work ethic intense, and it shows in their ability to take the ball away -- registering nine steals per game (8.7) -- to spur their prolific offense. LSU is averaging 81.3 points per game, which makes them a top-25 team in that respect.

Their offense is also spurred by work ethic. Kavell Bigby-Williams, Emmitt Williams, and Naz Reid are three of the SEC's top 11 in offensive rebounding. Dudes combine for more than eight o-boards a game.

 

Why bet on Michigan State ...

Izzo is probably on edge with his charges because he realizes this is one of the best squads he's ever had, which is saying something. He doesn't want them to blow this opportunity with a letdown of any sort.

The Spartans lead the Big Ten — and rank among the top five nationally — in assists (18.6, third in Division I), blocks (5.4, fifth), and defensive rebounds (30.14, third) per game as well as field-goal percentage defense (37.7). They're loaded and have been confirming it all season.

Cassius Winston is the undisputed team leader. As he goes, so goes Sparty.

 

Instant analysis ...

Although it’s been great, LSU faces one of the top teams in college basketball. Cassius Winston had 13 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds in Sparty's wipeout of Minnesota. Dude won’t let Tremont Waters take control of the game. He’ll use his experience to get his team to win and cover.

ATS pick: Michigan State -6

Result: Michigan State 80, LSU 63 ... Spartans cover

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