The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-11, 0-7 Big 10) look to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they meet the Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-4, 3-3 Big 10) at Williams Arena. The game gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Penn State Nittany Lions at Minnesota Golden Gophers ATS Prediction
In the Nittany Lions’ last game, they were topped by the No. 23 Iowa Hawkeyes, 89-82. Iowa’s 0.203 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Penn State, who had a rate of 0.156. The Hawkeyes’ mark was below their season average of 0.391, while the Nittany Lions’ was below their season average of 0.191. Mike Watkins had a solid game for Penn State, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Golden Gophers were blown out by the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last matchup, 95-68. Illinois’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Minnesota. The Fighting Illini had a rate of 41.4 (above their season average of 29.2), while the Golden Gophers posted a mark of 25.0 (below their season average of 35.8). Minnesota’s Daniel Oturu had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Golden Gophers rank 31st in offensive rebounding percentage (35.2 percent), while Penn State ranks 55th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.0 percent).
After the Golden Gophers won the sole game against the Nittany Lions last season, 95-84, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Golden Gophers had a better free throw rate (0.227 vs. 0.149) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.7 vs. 18.2).
Penn State Nittany Lions at Minnesota Golden Gophers Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Penn State ranks 120th in three pointers attempted per game (23.3) while Minnesota ranks 259th (17.5).
The Golden Gophers rank 41st in blocks per game (4.4) while the Nittany Lions rank 114th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Minnesota ranks 52nd in rebounds per game (38.6) while Penn State ranks 121st in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
The Golden Gophers rank 41st in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Nittany Lions rank 67th (12.1).
Penn State ranks 53rd in steals per game (7.6) while Minnesota ranks 54th in steals allowed per game (5.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Nittany Lions’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 0.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Gophers have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
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