A shootout should be expected when the Arkansas Razorbacks (6-2) and the No. 14 Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-2) square off at Bud Walton Arena. The game starts at 6:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and will air on SEC Network.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Free Prediction
In the Golden Gophers’ last outing, they were defeated by the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 78-68. One of Nebraska’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 28 free throw attempts, while Minnesota had 24. Nate Mason was Minnesota’s leading scorer with 20 points on 5-for-16 shooting.
The Razorbacks won big over the Colorado State Rams in their last contest, 92-66. Arkansas’ 6.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Colorado State, who had a mark of 22.8. The Razorbacks’ mark was better than their season average of 14.3, while the Rams’ was above their season average of 15.4. With 19 points and five rebounds, Arkansas’ Jaylen Barford put together a solid game.
Dating back to last season, a focal point for the Arkansas offense has been to get to and convert from the free throw line. The Razorbacks rank 37th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.291), but Minnesota has been among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 37th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.199). Furthermore, the Golden Gophers, who rank 32nd in offensive rebounding percentage (31.0 percent), will attempt to take advantage of the Razorbacks, who rank 316th in defensive rebounding percentage (66.8 percent).
The Golden Gophers won the lone game against the Razorbacks last season, 85-71. The Golden Gophers had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.598 vs. 0.434) and had a much better turnover percentage (17.3 vs. 23.1).
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Arkansas Razorbacks Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Arkansas, ATS Winner – Arkansas, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Minnesota averages 40.3 rebounds per game, which ranks sixth in the NCAA. Arkansas ranks 211th in rebounds allowed per game (36.4).
The Razorbacks average 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 45th in the NCAA. The Golden Gophers rank 235th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Minnesota ranks ninth in assists per game (15.6) while Arkansas ranks 125th (14.2).
The Razorbacks rank 42nd in steals per game (7.5) while the Golden Gophers rank 151st (5.8).
Minnesota ranks 260th in three pointers attempted per game (18.1) while Arkansas ranks 280th (18.1).
