(Foto AP / Charlie Riedel)
Nothing says college basketball like an opening matchup between two prestigious basketball colleges. And while neither team has been as successful in recent seasons as they’ve grown used to over the years, each could have a fun 2021-22 season.
Michigan State is predominantly a different team than it was a season ago; Many talents left the team, but a major transfer, Tyson Walker, is coming from Northeastern University to provide the Spartans with much-needed veteran scoring. It’s hard to know what exactly to expect from the state of Michigan right now, but that’s what makes them so interesting. Also, can an underdog team led by Tom Izzo go hunting on opening day? Count on me.
As the No. 3 team in college basketball, Kansas is the favorite in this matchup against the Spartans and they will be challenged to live up to preseason expectations. They have the returning production of Ochai Agbaji, David McCormick and Jalen Johnson, while Remy Martin and Joseph Yesufu enter as key transfers that will only strengthen the Jayhawks roster.
Given that this game will be played in New York as part of the Champions Classic, Kansas opens as a 4.5-point favorite at Tipico, but between neutral court and the unknown start of the season, anything is possible.
Lines of play
Kansas Jayhawks -4.5 contra Michigan State Spartans
O/U 140.5
