Michigan State vs. Butler (-1) Point Spread Picks

Michigan State (15-20 ATS) hasn't needed blowouts to get the job done during March Madness. The Spartans have won four straight games by a total of just 13 points. The most recent victory came last weekend, a 70-69 thriller over No. 6 Tennessee. The tight scores haven't cost MSU at the sportsbook, either; the team has covered three consecutive games on college basketball odds. Michigan State is 6-4 against the spread in its past 10 games.

Many believed Michigan State was doomed when Kalin Lucas-the Big Ten Player of the Year-went down with a season-ending leg injury in the second round. Numerous Spartans have stepped up their game, though, and MSU looks as potent as ever. Durrell Summers in particular has been a hero in-the-making. The junior guard is averaging 22 points in his last three games, including 21 against Tennessee in the Elite Eight. Forward Draymond Green also picked up his play against the Volunteers; the sophomore scored 13 points off the bench.

Butler (16-20 ATS) owns the longest winning streak in the country-and incredible 24 games. That includes last weekend's 63-56 battle with No. 2 Kansas State. Like MSU, the Bulldogs have had to scrap their way to victory; their past three wins in the NCAA Tournament have come by a total of 13 points. Like Michigan State, Butler is enjoying a solid run on NCAA basketball odds; the team is 4-1 against the spread in its last five outings.

Throughout the season Butler has leaned on sophomores Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack, and the Dynamic Duo delivered another fine effort in the victory over K-State. Hayward notched game-highs with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Mack was a threat from downtown en route to 16 points. He added seven rebounds for good measure. It's difficult to choose a team MVP between the two of them.

Butler has gone under the total in three consecutive games. Michigan State, on the other hand, has split its last four games on the total. It went over against the Volunteers. Sportsbook.com has the total set at 126.

Game Prediction

Take Butler