The Northwestern Wildcats (12-15, 3-13 Big 10) welcome the Minnesota Golden Gophers (17-11, 7-10 Big 10) to Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Wildcats will attempt to put an end to their eight-game losing streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams lost in their last game. The Wildcats fell to the 22nd-ranked Wisconsin Badgers, 69-64, while the Golden Gophers were defeated by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 68-64.
Minnesota had a better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.491) while Northwestern had a turnover percentage of 4.4 (better than their season average of 15.0). Northwestern received a boost from Vic Law, who had 24 points and six assists. Meanwhile, Daniel Oturu played a pivotal role for Minnesota with 20 points and eight rebounds.
The Wildcats dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both contests. In the most recent game, Northwestern won 77-69. Northwestern’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Minnesota. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.321, while the Golden Gophers posted a mark of 0.169. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Northwestern ranks 297th in possessions per game (66.6) and Minnesota is 255th (67.8).
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Northwestern Wildcats Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Minnesota, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Northwestern ranks 140th in three pointers attempted per game (22.7) while Minnesota ranks 298th (16.7).
- The Golden Gophers rank 59th in assists per game (15.0) while the Wildcats rank 140th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
- Northwestern ranks 202nd in steals per game (5.4) while Minnesota ranks 229th (4.8).
- The Wildcats rank 53rd in blocks per game (4.2) while the Golden Gophers rank 182nd in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
- Minnesota averages 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 62nd in the NCAA. Northwestern ranks 180th in rebounds allowed per game (35.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 59.6 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
- The Golden Gophers have been outscored by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 2.4 points.
