The No. 10 Minnesota Golden Gophers (21-13) go head-to-head against the No. 7 Louisville Cardinals (20-13) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. The Cardinals opened as a 5-point favorite. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 135 points and action begins at 12:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 21, 2019.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Louisville Cardinals ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last matchup. The Cardinals were beaten by the third-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, 83-70, while the Golden Gophers got blown out by the 10th-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 76-49.
Minnesota had a better free throw rate (0.056 vs. 0.032) while Louisville had a better effective field goal percentage (0.492 vs. 0.515). Malik Williams led the way for Louisville, recording 10 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Amir Coffey fueled Minnesota with 14 points.
Of the Golden Gophers’ 34 games, 18 have finished under the O/U total. Minnesota holds records of 21-13 straight up (SU) and 17-17 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas is known to place the total high when the Cardinals are involved, as 19 of their 34 games have finished under the total. Further, Louisville is 20-13 SU and 17-14-2 ATS.
Louisville could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they go head-to-head against one of the worst offenses in the country. The Cardinals currently rank 22nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.464), while Minnesota is 293rd in effective field goal percentage (0.483).
Minnesota vs. Louisville Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Louisville, ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Louisville ranks 65th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while Minnesota ranks 315th (16.3).
- The Golden Gophers rank 234th in steals per game (4.8) while the Cardinals rank 253rd (4.5).
- Minnesota averages 14.9 assists per game, which ranks 57th in the nation. Louisville ranks 59th in assists allowed per game (11.6).
- The Cardinals average 38.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 40th in the NCAA. The Golden Gophers rank 130th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
- Minnesota ranks 73rd in blocks per game (4.0) while Louisville ranks 133rd in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Golden Gophers have scored an average of 66.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 6.7 for the season.
