The Northwestern Wildcats (6-19, 1-14 Big 10) and the Minnesota Golden Gophers (12-13, 6-9 Big 10) battle at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Wildcats will attempt to put an end to their 10-game losing streak. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 23, 2020.
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Northwestern Wildcats Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Wildcats fell to the seventh-ranked Maryland Terrapins, 76-67, while the Golden Gophers were defeated by the Indiana Hoosiers, 68-56.
Minnesota held Indiana to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.2 (below their season average of 33.6) while Northwestern had a better effective field goal percentage (0.484 vs. 0.475). Ryan Young was a key piece for Northwestern with 17 points and eight rebounds. Minnesota received a boost from Daniel Oturu, who finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Oturu led the Golden Gophers to a 77-68 win. He registered a double-double with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Minnesota had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.7 vs. 20.0). Northwestern, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 13.7).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Northwestern ranks 310th in possessions per game (66.3) and Minnesota is 267th (67.4). Also, the Golden Gophers rank 41st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.458), while the Wildcats rank 294th in effective field goal percentage (0.473).
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Northwestern Wildcats Free Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Minnesota ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while Northwestern ranks 239th (24.3).
- The Golden Gophers rank 22nd in blocks per game (4.8) while the Wildcats rank 136th (2.9).
- Minnesota ranks 231st in steals per game (5.0) while Northwestern ranks 253rd (4.0).
- The Golden Gophers average 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 47th in the NCAA. The Wildcats rank 253rd in assists allowed per game (15.8).
- Minnesota ranks 42nd in rebounds per game (38.9) while Northwestern ranks 235th (33.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 62.6 points per game (2.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (4.7 above their season average).
- The Golden Gophers have been outscored by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 3.3 points.
