The Texas Longhorns (6-2) square off with the Michigan Wolverines (8-3) at Frank Erwin Special Events Center. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2017.
Texas opened as a 6-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 127 points.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Texas Longhorns Free Prediction
In the Wolverines’ last outing, they beat the UCLA Bruins, 78-69. Michigan’s 13.0 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over UCLA, who had a rate of 23.2. The Wolverines’ mark was worse than their season average of 12.4, while the Bruins’ was above their season average of 13.8. With 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting, Moritz Wagner led Michigan in scoring.
The Longhorns defeated the VCU Rams in their last outing, 71-67. Texas’ 0.578 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over VCU, who had a rate of 0.458. The Longhorns’ mark was above their season average of 0.515, while the Rams’ was below their season average of 0.548. With 13 points and 13 rebounds, Mohamed Bamba had a solid outing for Texas.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. Texas ranks 265th in possessions per game (68.7) and Michigan is 325th (64.2) since last season.
Michigan comes into the game with records of 8-3 straight up (SU) and 5-5 against the spread (ATS). Wolverines games tend to go under the total (60.0 percent).
Texas has a superb 6-2 SU record, but they have trouble covering the spread (1-3 ATS). Vegas has been spot on when setting the O/U total of Longhorns games, with an even split between overs and unders.
The Wolverines won the only contest against the Longhorns last season, 53-50. The Wolverines had a better free throw rate (0.146 vs. 0.096) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.479 vs. 0.433).
Michigan Wolverines at Texas Longhorns Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Texas, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Michigan ranks 23rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while Texas ranks 204th (19.4).
The Wolverines rank 48th in assists per game (14.4) while the Longhorns rank 216th (11.7).
Michigan ranks 44th in steals per game (6.2) while Texas ranks 142nd (6.0).
The Longhorns rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.8) while the Wolverines rank 116th (2.9).
Texas ranks 170th in rebounds per game (35.2) while Michigan ranks 233rd (30.1).
