Best College Basketball Bets for Friday, February 13: Beware the Billikens, Get Behind the Spartans

• The last game for Michigan State and Wisconsin prior to this one was against Illinois; both teams defeated the Fighting Illini in overtime (Michigan State 85-82 OT; Wisconsin 92-90 OT).

• Loyola Chicago won four of the last five times they played against Saint Louis, but the Billikens' lone win was a blowout (98-67).

Friday’s college basketball schedule is on the light side with just 16 games. But with Saturday’s schedule often jam-packed, a smaller Friday slate is expected. Our mission remains the same: to assist you as best as we can with making wagers, hence our college basketball best bets list.

There are several games with great potential for the savvy bettor, but we are going to focus on two: our Big Ten match-up pitting Michigan State and Wisconsin against each other, and an A-10 contest, No. 18 Saint Louis vs. Loyola Chicago.

No. 10 Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers Odds & Pick

• Spread: Michigan State -1.5 (-108) | Wisconsin +1.5 (-112)        

• Moneyline: Michigan State -125 | Wisconsin +104

• Total: OVER 145.5 (-110) | UNDER 145.5 (-110)

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Join FanDuel and claim your welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins. Get more info on the FanDuel Promo Code in our detailed overview.

Michigan State was rolling, going 19-1, 8-1 before facing off with No. 3 Michigan on January 30. It was a competitive game, but one the Spartans ultimately lost by 12, 83-71. A surprising loss to Minnesota (76-73) followed that game, but Michigan State got back on track against No. 5 Illinois.

As for Wisconsin, the Badgers scattered five losses inside their first 14 games, but since then have played better and won eight of ten. The two losses were by a basket to USC (73-71) and by one in overtime to Indiana (78-77 OT). Like MSU, they got back on track with a win over No. 8 Illinois.

• My Pick: Michigan State ML at -125 via FanDuel

Wisconsin will need its three-point game to get on track early and stay on track if it’s going to have a chance at the upset. But the Michigan State defense is solid against the three as well (No. 5 in the Big Ten). So, don’t count on it.

However, without a good day from behind the arc, Wisconsin can’t pull off a win. It will be a close game, but one Michigan State will win outright.

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No. 18 Saint Louis Billikens vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers Odds & Pick

• Spread: Saint Louis -18.5 (-108) | Loyola Chicago +18.5 (-112)

• Moneyline: Saint Louis -4000 | Loyola Chicago  +1800

• Total: OVER 155.5 (-110) | UNDER 155.5 (-110)

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Saint Louis is 23-1, 11-0, with their lone loss coming against Stanford, 78-77, at a neutral location. They have the No. 4 offense in the country, averaging 9 points per game, and are one of the best shooting teams in the country (field goal %-- 52%, NO. 3 in the country; three-point %-- 40.8%, No. 2)

 The Billikens are just as tough on the defensive end of the court (field goal % defense - No. 1, 36.4%; three point % defense - No. 2, 27%).

As for Loyola Chicago, the Ramblers do not have much (if anything) going for them. They struggle to put points on the board (67.6 points per game) and can’t seem to stop anyone on the defensive end, allowing ten more points a game than they score (77.6 points per game allowed).

• My Pick: Saint Louis -18.5 at -108 via FanDuel

Large spreads like this one always give me reason to pause. Yes, Saint Louis is that good, and Loyola is terrible, but you can never tell when a team is going to let off the gas or how soon they’ll mentally check out when the game is in hand.

However, Saint Louis is undefeated in conference play for a reason. At the same time, the Ramblers are 2-10 in A-10 play for a reason. Their poor defense is not going to stand a chance against one of the best offensive teams in the country.  

It may take until late in the second half for it to happen, but they’ll cover.

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