The No. 19 Wisconsin Badgers (16-6, 8-3 Big 10) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Minnesota Golden Gophers (16-6, 6-5 Big 10) at Williams Arena. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
Wisconsin Badgers at Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Prediction
The Badgers will be hoping for similar success after beating the No. 21 Maryland Terrapins in their last matchup, 69-61. The Badgers had a great free throw rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.174) and had a turnover percentage of 6.3 (better than their season average of 13.2). Ethan Happ was a key piece for Wisconsin with 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
In the Golden Gophers’ last outing, they lost to the No. 17 Purdue Boilermakers, 73-63. Purdue’s 9.3 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Minnesota, who had a mark of 13.5. The Boilermakers’ mark was better than their season average of 13.8. With 19 points and nine rebounds, Daniel Oturu had a solid game for Minnesota.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Amir Coffey scored a game-high 21 points and the Golden Gophers beat the Badgers 59-52. He also put up six rebounds. The Golden Gophers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (20.7 vs. 6.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.229 vs. 0.146).
A focal point for the Minnesota offense is getting to the free throw line. The Golden Gophers rank eighth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.309), but Wisconsin is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 25th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.176). Moreover, the 13th-ranked defense of the Badgers (opponents’ effective field goal percentage of 0.451) will square off against the 260th-ranked offense of the Golden Gophers (effective field goal percentage of 0.493).
Wisconsin at Minnesota Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Wisconsin, ATS Winner – Minnesota, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Wisconsin averages 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 63rd in the country. Minnesota ranks 164th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
The Golden Gophers rank 44th in assists per game (15.5) while the Badgers rank 121st (13.7).
Wisconsin ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Minnesota ranks 79th (5.9).
The Badgers rank 233rd in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while the Golden Gophers rank 279th (17.2).
Minnesota averages 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 71st in the NCAA. Wisconsin ranks 115th in rebounds allowed per game (34.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Badgers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 10.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Gophers have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
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