The No. 23 Michigan Wolverines (16-5, 5-3 Big 10) welcome the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-8, 2-5 Big 10) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against superb defense. The game begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 21, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 124.5 points with Michigan set as a 12-point favorite.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Free Prediction
The last time the Scarlet Knights played, they topped the Iowa Hawkeyes, 80-64. The Scarlet Knights made 15 of their 20 free throws (75.0 percent), while the Hawkeyes had a turnover percentage of 20.6 (above their season average of 16.6). With 18 points on 6-for-13 shooting, Corey Sanders was Rutgers’ leading scorer.
The Wolverines got blown out by the Nebraska Cornhuskers in their last game, 72-52. Nebraska’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Michigan. The Cornhuskers had a rate of 0.319 (above their season average of 0.267), while the Wolverines posted a mark of 0.107 (below their season average of 0.177). With 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting, Charles Matthews was Michigan’s leading scorer.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Michigan (48th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 113.4) takes on the top-notch defense of Rutgers (seventh in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 89.9). Moreover, the Scarlet Knights rank 47th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.4 percent), while the Wolverines rank 32nd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.4 percent).
Rutgers comes into the game with records of 12-8 straight up (SU) and 8-3-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Scarlet Knights are involved, as seven of their 12 games have ended under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Michigan is 16-5 SU and 11-9 ATS. Games featuring the Wolverines also tend to go under the total (60.0 percent).
After the Wolverines won the lone game against the Scarlet Knights last season, 68-64, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wolverines had a better free throw rate (0.259 vs. 0.169) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 24.3).
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Wolverines Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Rutgers is 1-2 ATS on the road with 2 overs and 1 under.
Michigan is 5-5 ATS at home with 7 unders and 3 overs.
Rutgers ranks sixth in rebounds per game (41.3) while Michigan ranks 234th (33.5).
The Wolverines rank 57th in three pointers attempted per game (25.0) while the Scarlet Knights rank 273rd (15.7).
Michigan ranks 71st in assists per game (15.2) while Rutgers ranks 229th (11.5).
The Scarlet Knights rank 30th in blocks per game (5.0) while the Wolverines rank 110th (3.4).
Rutgers ranks 41st in steals per game (7.5) while Michigan ranks 94th (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Rutgers is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Michigan is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Scarlet Knights have been outscored by an average of 7.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Rutgers has defeated opponents by an average of 7.3 points.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (5.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.0 points per game (6.8 above their season average).
