Michigan State-Texas Tech prediction: Tom Izzo makes Final Four pick easier

No. 2 Michigan State vs No. 3 Texas Tech (approx. 8:49 PM, CBS)

Two of the best coaches in college basketball will be pitted against each other as Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans take on Chris Beard’s Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday in the NCAA Final Four.

Each squad leads the country in a different significant category. Texas Tech gives up the fewest points per possession of any team in America, while the Spartans have the most assists per possession on offense.

Each also does a good job of being able to protect the interior with each ranking team in the top seven of Division I teams in total blocked shots. Where Michigan State finds its advantage is on the glass, though, as the team is sixth in the country in total rebound rate while Texas Tech is 118th.

Both teams have a tendency to turn it over a bit too much. The Red Raiders are 156th in turnovers per offensive play while Michigan State is 145th.

Izzo is the only head coach or player who has been in the Final Four before, and that experience along with his balanced unit on the floor should lead to the Spartans covering and playing for a national championship Monday.

The pick: Take Michigan State -2¹/₂.

Greg Peterson handicaps college basketball in VSiN’s Point Spread Weekly. Sign up for a one-week free trial at VSiN.com/free.