The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (13-0, 2-0 Big 10) try to stay unbeaten when they meet the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-6, 0-2 Big 10) at Crisler Center. The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Wolverines ATS Prediction
The last time the Nittany Lions played, they topped the North Florida Ospreys, 87-72. One of Penn State’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 35 trips to the line, while North Florida went 22 times. Penn State was led by Lamar Stevens, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Wolverines dismantled the Norfolk State Spartans in their last contest, 63-44. The Wolverines had a much better free throw rate (0.217 vs. 0.085) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.7 vs. 18.6). Jon Teske was the game’s leading scorer with 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting from the field.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Michigan currently ranks 343rd in possessions per game (64.4) and Penn State is 259th (68.5).
Stevens has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Penn State.
After the Wolverines won the only contest against the Nittany Lions last season, 72-63, these teams will meet for the first time this year. One of Michigan’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-19 (84.2 percent), while the Nittany Lions were just 6-11 (54.5 percent).
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.0) while Penn State ranks 128th (6.8).
The Wolverines rank 43rd in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while the Nittany Lions rank 116th (34.7).
Michigan ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Penn State ranks 72nd (3.2).
The Wolverines rank eighth in assists allowed per game (9.7) while the Nittany Lions rank 31st (10.8).
Michigan allows the second-fewest three pointers per game (16.3) while Penn State ranks 23rd (18.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Nittany Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 4.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 47.0 points per game (8.1 below their season average).
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