The Nebraska Cornhuskers (13-7, 4-3 Big 10) welcome the No. 23 Michigan Wolverines (16-4, 5-2 Big 10) to Pinnacle Bank Arena as they look to prolong their five-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018.
Michigan opened as a 3.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 132 points.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers ATS Prediction
In the Wolverines’ last outing, they beat the Maryland Terrapins, 68-67. Michigan had a much better turnover percentage (8.3 vs. 17.1). Maryland, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.173 vs. 0.115). With 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting, Moritz Wagner led Michigan in scoring.
The Cornhuskers barely escaped the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last outing, 64-63. The Cornhuskers knocked down 17 of their 23 free throws (73.9 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.1 vs. 19.1). James Palmer Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 10-for-19 shooting.
Nebraska might have difficulty scoring as they square off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Michigan currently ranks 28th in defensive efficiency while the Cornhuskers rank 170th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Wolverines rank 330th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.177), while the Cornhuskers rank 46th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.188).
Michigan heads into the game with records of 16-4 straight up (SU) and 11-8 against the spread (ATS). Wolverines games have typically gone under the projected point total (57.9 percent).
Meanwhile, Nebraska owns records of 13-7 SU and 12-6 ATS. Similarly to Michigan, Cornhuskers games also tend to finish under the total (66.7 percent).
After the Wolverines won both games against the Cornhuskers last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Michigan won 93-57. Michigan made 14 of their 27 three pointers (51.9 percent). Nebraska was, on the other hand, just 2-15 (13.3 percent).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Michigan is 6-3 ATS with 5 overs and 4 unders.
Nebraska is 7-2 ATS at home with 6 unders and 3 overs.
Michigan ranks 48th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while Nebraska ranks 262nd (39.7).
The Cornhuskers rank 12th in blocks per game (5.9) while the Wolverines rank 101st (3.5).
Michigan ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (10.6) while Nebraska ranks 83rd (12.5).
The Wolverines are third in the NCAA with 4.2 steals allowed per game while the Cornhuskers are 26th with 5.2 steals allowed per game.
Michigan is sixth in the nation with 16.1 three pointers allowed per game while Nebraska is 27th with 18.5 three pointers allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Michigan is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Nebraska is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 13.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 66.6 points per game (6.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (4.9 below their season average).
