The No. 8 Michigan State Spartans (12-3, 4-0 Big 10) will try to lengthen their seven-game winning streak against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-6, 2-2 Big 10) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 9, 2020.
Michigan State opened as an 11-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 143.5 points.
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan State Spartans ATS Prediction
In the Golden Gophers’ last contest, they defeated the Northwestern Wildcats, 77-68, but they were unable to cover as 12-point favorites. The game’s total points (145) came in over the projected point total of 135.5. Minnesota out-rebounded Northwestern. The Golden Gophers had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (28 vs. 21) and total rebounds (43 vs. 28). With 19 points on 6-for-10 shooting, Daniel Oturu was Minnesota’s leading scorer.
The Spartans dismantled the No. 12 Michigan Wolverines in their last game, 87-69, comfortably covering as 9-point favorites. The game’s total points (156) were over the O/U total of 146. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Michigan State’s largest strengths. They made 33 trips to the line, while Michigan went 22 times. Cassius Winston was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 11-for-19 shooting from the field.
After the Spartans won both games against the Golden Gophers last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Michigan State won 70-50. Michigan State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (47.8 vs. 17.1). Minnesota, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (8.4 vs. 29.0).
Minnesota holds records of 8-6 straight up (SU) and 9-5 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Golden Gophers have typically finished under the total (57.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Michigan State owns records of 12-3 SU and 7-8 ATS. Contrary to Minnesota, games involving the Spartans have typically gone over the total (60.0 percent).
The productive offense of Michigan State will clash against the mid-tier defense of Minnesota. The Spartans rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Gophers are 112th in defensive efficiency. The Spartans should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Minnesota vs. Michigan State ATS Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
At home, Michigan State is 6-2 ATS with 6 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota ranks 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while Michigan State ranks 170th (23.0).
The Spartans rank first in assists per game (19.7) while the Golden Gophers rank 109th in assists allowed per game (12.4).
Michigan State averages 43.2 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the NCAA. Minnesota ranks 96th in rebounds allowed per game (33.9).
The Spartans rank 17th in blocks per game (5.5) while the Golden Gophers rank 92nd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
In its last five outings, Minnesota is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Michigan State is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Golden Gophers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.8, up from 8.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 87.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
