Thursday, March 20, 3:40 PM on TNT

Spokane Arena, Spokane, Washington

Opening Lines & Odds - Michigan State -14 -- Over/Under: 150

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

There is perhaps no team hotter entering the tournament than the 4th seed Michigan State Spartans. Tom Izzo's team returned 3 starters from injuries and subsequently rolled through the Big Ten Tournament. Delaware on the other hand has never won an NCAA Tournament game and will have their work cut out for them as early 14 point underdogs.

The burst from Michigan State (26-8) coincided with Adreian Payne, Keith Appling, and Brandon Dawson returning from various injuries. The Spartans are actually only 7-3 in their last 10 but they've been dominant in their last 3. Payne has scored 18 points in each of his last two games and MSU's balanced attack also features Gary Harris (17.1 PPG). The Spartans have gone to the Sweet 16 the past two seasons but expectations are higher for this experienced class.

The 25-9 Delaware Blue Hens are explosive on offense with Devon Saddler leading a group of five players that average double figures. Saddler is actually the third active leading scorer in Division 1 but it could be his teammate Davon Usher that could be instrumental in an upset of the Spartans. Usher dropped 28 and 21 points in two of the last three games of the season and should be refreshed as the Blue Hens will have had 10 days off before Thursday's game.

ATS Trends

Michigan State is 20-12-1 ATS this season

Michigan State is 16-14-0 against the over/under this season

Delaware is 16-9-1 ATS this season

Delaware is 10-12-1 against the over/under this season

Injuries to Watch

Michigan State 

03/17/14 G Gary Harris Stinger probable Thursday vs. Delaware

Delaware 

No injuries to report at this time

Josh's Pick: Take Michigan State

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