The Penn State Nittany Lions take on the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, MI. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
Michigan is favored by 9 points on the spread with a moneyline of -425. The total is set at 160 points.
Here’s my Penn State vs. Michigan predictions and college basketball picks for January 27, 2025.
Penn State vs Michigan Prediction
My Pick: Michigan -8.5 (Play to -10)
My Penn State vs Michigan best bet is on the Wolverines spread, with the best odds currently available at BetMGM. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Penn State vs Michigan Odds, Lines
| Penn State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9 -110 | 160 -110o / -110u | +325 |
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9 -110 | 160 -110o / -110u | -425 |
- Penn State vs Michigan spread: Michigan -9
- Penn State vs Michigan over/under: 160 points
- Penn State vs Michigan moneyline: Michigan -425, Penn State +325
- Penn State vs Michigan best bet: Michigan -8.5 (Play to -10)
My Penn State vs Michigan NCAAB Betting Preview
Michigan had the unenviable task of going to Mackey Arena last Friday and facing a Purdue team that was coming off a home loss. Backing Purdue in that spot appealed to me, and the Boilers didn't disappoint in a 27-point rout that was never in doubt.
Now Michigan is the angry team looking to rebound after a disastrous performance. Back home at the Crisler Center against a feisty — but less talented — Penn State squad, I think Michigan earns a blowout win of its own.
The one matchup concern is Penn State’s ability to force turnovers against Michigan’s shaky decision-making. The Wolverines coughed it up a staggering 22 times at Purdue. But back home in a bounce-back spot, I expect a significantly cleaner game.
Plus, the Wolverines’ massive edges in other areas more than make up for that concern.
Michigan should dominate the boards, especially on the offensive end. Penn State is the worst defensive rebounding team in the conference in league play, surrendering a second chance on nearly 34% of attempts. Michigan’s massive frontcourt can easily take advantage of that soft spot.
The imposing frontline duo of Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin will also eat in the pick-and-roll. The Nittany Lions roll with a smaller lineup around center Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and that’s especially true with Puff Johnson currently on the shelf due to injury.
Michigan’s 4/5 ball screens are deadly against any defense, but that'll be especially true when facing a vulnerable interior defense.
The line may have some sticker shock, but in a high-total contest (over/under of 160), covering nine points is more doable.
I envision Michigan getting an emphatic victory here.
