A defensive struggle should be expected when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-10, 4-7 Big 10) and the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines (20-2, 9-2 Big 10) battle at Louis Brown Athletic Center. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Free Prediction
The last time the Wolverines played, they were defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes, 74-59. Iowa’s 0.281 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Michigan, who had a mark of 0.138. The Hawkeyes’ mark was below their season average of 0.350, while the Wolverines’ was below their season average of 0.206. Ignas Brazdeikis was Michigan’s leading scorer with 16 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
The Scarlet Knights fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes in their last outing, 76-62. Ohio State’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Rutgers. The Buckeyes posted a mark of 9.6 (better than their season average of 16.8), while the Scarlet Knights had a rate of 16.1. Eugene Omoruyi had a good game for Rutgers, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
After the Wolverines won the lone contest against the Scarlet Knights last season, 62-47, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Michigan’s 0.500 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Rutgers, who had a mark of 0.353.
The ineffective offense of Rutgers (303rd in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 98.5) will battle against the stingy defense of Michigan (third in the country with a defensive efficiency of 86.5). The Wolverines figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Additionally, the Wolverines rank 283rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.202), while the Scarlet Knights rank 43rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.185).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.7) while Rutgers ranks 147th (6.8).
The Wolverines rank first in three pointers allowed per game (16.3) while the Scarlet Knights rank 141st (22.5).
Rutgers ranks 27th in rebounds per game (39.5) while Michigan ranks 139th (36.0).
The Wolverines rank sixth in assists allowed per game (9.7) while the Scarlet Knights rank 102nd (12.5).
Michigan blocks 4.3 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 42nd in the country. Rutgers ranks 96th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 13.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 65.0 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
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