The No. 7 Michigan Wolverines (8-0, 1-0 Big 10) and the Northwestern Wildcats (6-2, 0-1 Big 10), who both like to play slow, will clash at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Northwestern Wildcats Free Prediction
In the Wolverines’ last matchup, they blew out the No. 19 Purdue Boilermakers, 76-57. Making free throws was one of Michigan’s largest strengths. They were 11-13 (84.6 percent), while the Boilermakers were just 4-6 (66.7 percent). Michigan rallied around Jon Teske, who had 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Wildcats lost a tough one against the Indiana Hoosiers in their last game, 68-66. Indiana’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Northwestern. The Hoosiers had a rate of 0.224 (below their season average of 0.246), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.115 (below their season average of 0.340). Dererk Pardon had a solid performance for Northwestern, leading both teams in scoring with 24 points on 11-for-15 shooting.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Northwestern ranks 331st in possessions per game (66.3) and Michigan is 341st (65.3) since the 2017-18 season.
These two teams split two games last season. In the last contest, the Wildcats won 61-52. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 14.7) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.1 vs. 16.7).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Northwestern Wildcats Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Michigan ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (10.0) while Northwestern ranks 148th (13.2).
The Wolverines rank third in steals allowed per game (3.9) while the Wildcats rank 124th (5.9).
Michigan ranks 242nd in rebounds per game (34.2) while Northwestern ranks 280th (33.5).
The Wildcats average 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 60th in the NCAA. The Wolverines rank 92nd in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
Michigan allows the fourth-fewest three pointers per game (16.7) while Northwestern ranks 33rd (19.2).
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