Michigan Wolverines vs Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25
Looking to win big? The Wolverines and Golden Gophers face off at 7:00 ET on FS1. The Golden Gophers are hosting the game at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, MN. Michigan is favored by -9.5 in this Big Ten conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 144.5 points.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES VS MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers +9.5
This game will be played at Williams Arena at 7:00 ET on Thursday, January 16th.
WHY BET THE MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Golden Gophers.
- Not only will Minnesota pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +9.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 144.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 145 points.
Will Michigan Come Through as Road Favorites?
Michigan Wolverines Recent Game/Games
Michigan improved to 13-3 on the season with a 91-75 home win over Washington on Sunday. The Wolverines, who entered the game as 14-point favorites, covered the spread, while the total points of 166 exceeded the O/U line of 154.5.
Michigan led 48-38 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, outscoring Washington 43-37 to secure the win.
Michigan’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 91 points with a field goal percentage of 52.7%. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.8%, thanks in part to their 69.2% shooting inside the arc. From three-point range, they connected on 11 of 29 attempts, shooting 37.9%.
Great Osobor led the way with 23 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 2 of 3 from deep. Vladislav Goldin was nearly perfect, shooting 6 of 7 from the field and adding 19 points. Nimari Burnett was a perfect 4 for 4 from three-point range, finishing with 16 points on 6 of 6 shooting overall.
Despite Michigan’s defensive efforts, they gave up 75 points, allowing their opponent to shoot 52% from the field. Inside the arc, the Wolverines struggled, with their opponent hitting 69% of their two-point attempts, going 18/26.
From three-point range, Michigan’s defense allowed 11 made threes on 29 attempts, a 37% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 32 times, where they converted 22 free throws for 68%. Michigan gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will Minnesota Find a Way to Win at Home?
Minnesota Golden Gophers Recent Game/Games
The Gophers dropped to 8-9 on the season after a 77-71 loss to Maryland on Monday. Despite being +15 underdogs, Minnesota kept it close on the road, covering the spread.
After leading 35-32 at halftime, the Gophers allowed 45 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36. The total points of 148 went over the pre-game line of 138.5.
Derik Queen was the standout performer for Minnesota, scoring 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting and grabbing 7 rebounds. Rodney Rice and Dawson Garcia each contributed 21 points, with Garcia hitting 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
The Golden Gophers shot 41.5% from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 49.1%. They were 8-of-17 from three-point range (47.1%) and 19-of-23 from the free-throw line (82.6%).
Despite Minnesota’s defensive efforts, they allowed 77 points on 47% shooting from the field. The opposing team found success inside, hitting 55% of their two-point attempts (20/36).
From beyond the arc, Minnesota held their opponent to 31% shooting, with 6 made threes on 19 attempts. They also sent the other team to the line 24 times, where they converted 19 free throws (79%).