The Minnesota Golden Gophers (11-8, 5-4 Big 10) welcome the No. 11 Michigan State Spartans (14-5, 6-2 Big 10) to Williams Arena as they try to prolong their six-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to get underway at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 26, 2020.
Michigan State Spartans at Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Prediction
In the Spartans’ last matchup, they were topped by the Indiana Hoosiers, 67-63. Indiana’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Michigan State. The Hoosiers had a rate of 10.8 (better than their season average of 16.7), while the Spartans posted a mark of 19.1 (above their season average of 15.6). Michigan State’s Xavier Tillman had a good game, putting up nine points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
The Golden Gophers edged the Ohio State Buckeyes in their last outing, 62-59. Minnesota’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Ohio State. The Golden Gophers had a rate of 6.1 (better than their season average of 15.7), while the Buckeyes posted a mark of 17.4. Marcus Carr was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Tillman put up 19 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks and the Spartans defeated the Golden Gophers 74-58. The Spartans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (46.3 vs. 21.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.185 vs. 0.119).
Michigan State may struggle to create turnovers. Minnesota ranks 81st in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 18.0 percent), while Michigan State forces the 18th-fewest turnovers (16.3 percent).
Michigan State Spartans at Minnesota Golden Gophers Free Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Michigan State averages 42.0 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the country. Minnesota ranks 134th in rebounds allowed per game (35.1).
The Golden Gophers rank 31st in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while the Spartans rank 155th (22.0).
Michigan State averages 18.7 assists per game, which ranks third in the nation. Minnesota ranks 127th in assists allowed per game (12.5).
The Golden Gophers rank 24th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Spartans rank 116th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 13.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Gophers have scored an average of 65.2 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (0.3 above their season average).