The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (13-4, 4-2 Big 10) welcome the Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-7, 4-3 Big 10) to Louis Brown Athletic Center as they attempt to extend their nine-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 19, 2020.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Prediction
The last time the Golden Gophers played, they defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 75-69. Getting to the free throw line was one of Minnesota’s largest advantages. They made 29 trips to the line, nine more than Penn State. Daniel Oturu had a good outing for Minnesota, putting up 26 points and 14 rebounds.
The Scarlet Knights defeated the Indiana Hoosiers in their last matchup, 59-50. The Scarlet Knights held the Hoosiers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.333 (below their season average of 0.507). The Hoosiers had a free throw rate of 0.167 (below their season average of 0.328). Akwasi Yeboah was Rutgers’ high scorer with 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Scarlet Knights won 68-64. The Scarlet Knights had a better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 17.2) and had a better free throw rate (0.232 vs. 0.185).
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Rutgers figures to have a significant edge. The Scarlet Knights defense ranks seventh in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.420), while the Minnesota offense is ranked 157th in effective field goal percentage (0.505). Also, the Golden Gophers, who rank 50th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.5 percent), will clash against the Scarlet Knights, who rank 60th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.1 percent).
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Minnesota ranks 66th in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while Rutgers ranks 251st (17.6).
The Scarlet Knights rank 16th in rebounds per game (41.3) while the Golden Gophers rank 114th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
Minnesota averages 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks 22nd in the NCAA. Rutgers ranks 111th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
The Golden Gophers rank 24th in assists per game (16.1) while the Scarlet Knights rank 101st (13.8).
The Golden Gophers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 6.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.2 points per game (3.6 below their season average).
