Wasn't planning on playing my Spartans but now news that the team's heart and soul, senior forward Malik Hall, apparently will return from injury earlier than expected. Five of MSU's seven losses have come without him. Doubt Hall plays even 20 minutes but it's a big boost and he can check Iowa star Kris Murray while in there. Iowa is 2-3 on the road. Sparty is 5-0 ATS in its past five at home, although per usual I'm on the ML.

Michigan St. shoots 39.6 percent from beyond the arc and 49.9 percent from the floor at home. Despite not having Malik Hall, they have a slight rebounding edge being at home. The Spartans will try to control the pace, which is much easier at home, as Iowa wants to run. The Hawkeyes have been better from the free-throw line, 77.7 percent to the Spartans 71.1 percent over their last three games, but only shooting 40.2 percent on the road. Michigan St. has a top-40 defense in terms of efficiency, holding their last four conference opponents to 65 points or less at home. I’m on Michigan St.