Purdue (10-4) at Michigan State (13-1)

January 8, 2007
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Source: DONBEST.com
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The lack of a Big Ten title in recent years is something that has bothered Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. But with freshman talent like Kalin Lucas joining senior Drew Neitzel and sophomore sensation Raymar Morgan, there's no reason the Spartans shouldn't contend for the conference crown this season.

Ranked No. 6 in the nation, Michigan State (13-1) took its first step towards that goal Saturday by beating Minnesota at home as 11-point favorites, 65-59.

The Spartans return to action Tuesday night against Purdue at the Breslin Center with revenge in mind. Michigan State had won five straight games over the Boilermakers until getting trashed 62-38 a year ago at West Lafayette.

Purdue shouldn't expect lighting to strike twice, especially in East Lansing. The Spartans are almost invincible at home - losing only one game at the Breslin Center last year (to Ohio State) and are 10-0 this year.

The Boilermakers haven't won a conference road game since Feb 24, 2007. However, Coach Matt Painter's club plays hard and understands that defense is important. Purdue starts two sophomores and three freshmen. That's a potentially combustible mix that could implode in conference competition.

The Boilermakers will need to ramp up their inside game if they expect to compete with the Spartans, who are out-rebounding the opposition by 10.6 boards per game. JaJuan Johnson and sub Nemanja Calasan combined for only six points and four rebounds in 32 minutes against the Wolverines.

Michigan State's only loss this season came against UCLA on a neutral court as 5 1/2-point underdogs, 68-63. The Spartans have won 10 in a row since.

The Spartans have cashed 16 of their last 23 at home, but are just 1-4 ATS in their last five Big Ten tests.

Purdue has 'covered' eight of its last 11 conference clashes and five of its last seven on the road. However, the Boilers have come up short in their last five ATS this season.

Michigan State is 5-2 ATS in its last seven home battles with Purdue and the favorite has come away with the cash in eight of the past 10 showdowns.

Ten of the last 11 series scrapes, including the last five in East Lansing, have slipped below the 'total.' The Boilermakers have been on the low side in 10 of their last 11 when facing teams with a winning record and they have dipped 'under' in 19 of 26 on the highway. The Spartans have zipped 'over' in five of their last six at home, while slipping 'under' at a 15-5-2 rate in conference play.