It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans (18-5, 9-3 Big 10) welcome the Minnesota Golden Gophers (16-7, 6-6 Big 10) to the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. The game will air on ESPN at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan State Spartans Betting Prediction
In the Golden Gophers’ last matchup, they were beaten by the No. 19 Wisconsin Badgers, 56-51. Wisconsin’s 8.7 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Minnesota, who had a rate of 12.5. The Badgers’ mark was better than their season average of 12.9. Jordan Murphy was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
The Spartans lost to the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last game, 79-74. Illinois’ 17.1 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Michigan State, who had a rate of 30.8. The Fighting Illini’s mark was worse than their season average of 16.2, while the Spartans’ was above their season average of 16.0. With 16 points and eight rebounds, Michigan State’s Xavier Tillman put together a solid game.
After the Spartans won the sole game against the Golden Gophers last season, 87-57, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Michigan State out-rebounded Minnesota. The Spartans had 15 offensive rebounds and 49 total rebounds, while the Golden Gophers had seven and 23, respectively.
Michigan State could have their way on defense as they face off against one of the NCAA’s worst offenses. The Spartans rank fifth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.430), while Minnesota is 278th in effective field goal percentage (0.487).
Minnesota at Michigan State ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan State averages 5.9 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the NCAA. Minnesota ranks 166th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
The Golden Gophers rank 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while the Spartans rank 181st (23.4).
Michigan State averages 42.3 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the nation. Minnesota ranks 102nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.9).
The Spartans average 19.9 assists per game, which ranks second in the NCAA. The Golden Gophers rank 62nd in assists allowed per game (11.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Gophers have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 3.7 points.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (9.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (3.1 above their season average).
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