Detroit Mercy Titans vs Michigan State Spartans , Odds, Picks and Prediction for Friday, November 21, 2025

The No. 17 Michigan State Spartans (4-0) will host the Detroit Mercy Titans (1-4) on Friday in a non-conference matchup.

Michigan State is undefeated coming off a dominant 83-66 win over the Kentucky Wildcats, while Detroit Mercy will be looking for its first win of the season against a Division I team. The Titans are coming off a 72-62 loss to Eastern Michigan.

Make sure to read this in-depth Detroit Mercy Titans vs Michigan State Spartans prediction. Check out our top NCAAB picks for the rest of the slate as well.

Titans struggling

Coming off an 8-24 season, the Titans are off to a tough start again, with their lone victory being a 92-54 win over Cleary University. According to KenPom, the Titans are 323rd overall, they are 306th in adjusted defensive efficiency, and 324th on the defensive end. Their coach is Mark Montgomery, a very Michigan State player and coach.

As a team, the Titans are shooting just 39.7% from the floor and 23.7% from three-point range. Orlando LoveJoy leads the team with 13.8 points and 4.0 assists per game. TJ Nadeau and Ayden Carter are averaging 12.4 ppg. Detroit is averaging 75.6 points per game, but is shooting just 39.7% from the field and 23.7% from long range.

Spartans on a roll

The No. 17 Spartans are coming in with four wins to start the season, highlighted by their wins over Kentucky (#11 by KenPom) and Arkansas (#43 by KenPom). Michigan State is 20th in the KenPom ratings, ninth on defense and 46th on offense. Last season, the Spartans went 30-7 and advanced to the Elite 8 before losing to Auburn 70-64.

Tom Izzo’s team is led by senior Jaxon Kohler (15.8 ppg, 11.3 rpg), who is in his fourth season with the Spartans and has seen a more expanded role after averaging 7.8 ppg and 7.5 rpg last season. Jeremy Fears, who is in his third season with the program, is one of the nation’s greatest playmakers, leading the country with 10.3 assists per game, a team-best 2.2 steals per game, and adding 10.3 ppg. As a team, Michigan State is averaging 77.7 ppg, shooting 45.3% from the floor and 29.3% from deep.

Detroit Mercy vs Michigan State Predictions

Detroit vs Michigan State ATS Pick:

• Michigan State -31.5 (4 units)

This number is substantial, but so is the disparity in talent and coaching. The Titans have lost to Illinois-Chicago (#141 KenPom) by 20 points and Notre Dame (#74) by 32 points. Although the Titans were competitive in their 90-83 loss to Toledo and 72-62 loss to Eastern Michigan, those teams are also both terrible defensively, and the Spartans are one of the nation's best. Michigan State hasn’t truly been able to flex its muscles against a cupcake yet, and although Izzo is not one to try and embarrass the opposition, I don’t think the Titans have the horses to compete. It’s Sparty to cover or pass.

Detroit vs Michigan State Total Pick:

• Under 148.5 (5 units)

Michigan State has not allowed a team to reach 70 points this season, and they have played some fast-paced offensive powerhouses. If the Spartans can make things tough for Arkansas, Colgate and Kentucky, I expect this matchup to be a nightmare for the Titans. I will take the under here as the Titans will have a tough time getting past the mid-50s.