It will be a matchup between two stifling defenses when the Northwestern Wildcats (6-2, 0-1 Big 10) go head-to-head with the seventh-ranked Michigan Wolverines (8-0, 1-0 Big 10) at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Northwestern Wildcats Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Wildcats lost a winnable game to the Indiana Hoosiers, 68-66, while the Wolverines easily got past the 19th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, 76-57.
The Wolverines made 11 of their 13 free throws (84.6 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.591 (above their season average of 0.533). Northwestern, on the other hand, held Indiana to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.0 (below their season average of 32.9). Northwestern rallied around Dererk Pardon, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds. Jon Teske, meanwhile had a good outing for Michigan, putting up 17 points and eight rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last game, the Wildcats won 61-52. The Wildcats’ 9.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Wolverines, who had a mark of 14.7.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Northwestern ranks 331st in possessions per game (66.3) and Michigan is 341st (65.3) dating back to last season.
Michigan Wolverines at Northwestern Wildcats Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Michigan ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (10.0) while Northwestern ranks 148th (13.2).
- The Wildcats rank 60th in blocks per game (4.1) while the Wolverines rank 92nd in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
- Michigan is fourth in the country with 16.7 three pointers allowed per game while Northwestern is 33rd with 19.2 three pointers allowed per game.
- The Wolverines rank third in steals allowed per game (3.9) while the Wildcats rank 124th (5.9).
- Michigan ranks 242nd in rebounds per game (34.2) while Northwestern ranks 280th (33.5).
