The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (17-1, 6-1 Big 10) welcome the Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-4, 4-3 Big 10) to Crisler Center as they try to lengthen their 12-game home winning streak. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Michigan Wolverines Free Prediction
In the Golden Gophers’ last matchup, they defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 65-64. One of Minnesota’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 30 trips to the line, 10 more than Penn State. With 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Jordan Murphy was Minnesota’s leading scorer.
The Wolverines fell to the Wisconsin Badgers in their last outing, 64-54. Wisconsin’s 15.1 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Michigan, who had a rate of 21.4. The Badgers’ mark was worse than their season average of 12.8, while the Wolverines’ was above their season average of 12.7. Michigan’s Zavier Simpson contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the contest.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Michigan figures to have a significant edge. The Wolverines defense ranks 10th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.444), while the Minnesota offense is ranked 276th in effective field goal percentage (0.487). Also, the Golden Gophers rank 31st in offensive rebounding percentage (35.0 percent), while the Wolverines rank 13th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.0 percent).
After the Wolverines won the only contest against the Golden Gophers last season, 76-73, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wolverines had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.2 vs. 13.5) and had a better turnover percentage (7.4 vs. 7.8).
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Michigan Wolverines ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan averages 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 40th in the nation. Minnesota ranks 148th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
The Wolverines rank 178th in three pointers attempted per game (21.4) while the Golden Gophers rank 281st (17.3).
Michigan ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.5) while Minnesota ranks 70th (5.8).
The Wolverines rank 47th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while the Golden Gophers rank 97th (33.9).
Michigan is 13th in the nation with 10.1 assists allowed per game while Minnesota is 48th with 11.3 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Gophers have been outscored by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 4.8 points.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.2 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
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