Posted on 3/22/2008 7:08:45 PM

College Basketball Odds - Pittsburgh vs. Michigan State

By Charles Jay

BetUS NCAA college basketball betting odds: Pittsburgh -4. Total 131.5

The Pittsburgh Panthers (27-9 SU, 18-13 ATS) came into the NCAA tournament with some momentum, built on that momentum in the first-round contest, and hope to ride that momentum to the Sweet 16 when they take on the Michigan State Spartans (26-8 SU, 15-15-1 ATS) in the South Regional at the Pepsi Center in Denver, tipping off at 9:10 PM ET on Saturday.

At BetUS Sportsbook, Pittsburgh is listed as a four-point favorite, with a total of 131.5 points.

Here are some of the NCAA college basketball betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* MSU has covered five of its last six games

* MSU has played six of its last ten games OVER the total

* PITT has won its last six games SU

* PITT has covered its last four games

* PITT has played 10 of its last 11 games OVER the total

Pittsburgh guard Levance Fields, who had been playing efficient ball after coming back from injury, erupted for 23 points as the Panthers beat Oral Roberts. Pittsburgh is 18-1 SU when Fields starts, and we recognize that Pitt has some momentum after winning the Big East tourney. And obviously there’s the versatile front line with Sam Young and DeJuan Blair.

But could Michigan State's opening-round win over Temple be a sign that Tom Izzo is getting his team ready for another big run at the Big Dance? Well, the Spartans held the Owls to under 38% shooting and moved the ball around pretty well, getting 19 assists - an unusually high number for college ball. Raymar Morgan shadowed Dionte Christmas, and Temple's all-conference guard, who was averaging 20 points, was held to just three, hitting one of his 12 shots.

Drew Neitzel was disappointing in the first game, going just two for 11 against temple. But Neitzel, who averaged 27 points in the Big Ten tourney, vows to redeem himself in this one. We understand that a lot of people are high on the Panthers right now, but we also have to respect Michigan State's defensive prowess (40% FG allowed), board work and free throw shooting (a very solid 73.5%). These guys are big enough up front to be a road block for the Panthers’ game plan.

I'm going to take the points with Michigan State, the four-point underdog in the BetUS NCAA college basketball betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: MICHIGAN STATE

Go to the BetUS.com online sportsbook today to bet on NCAA basketball. We have the most current NCAA basketball odds and lines, as well as player and game props. Join BetUS.com to experience the best in online sports betting action!

(Charles Jay of http://www.eBookies.com gives it the old college try as a regular contributor to the BetUS Locker Room)