It will be a showdown between two superb defenses when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-10, 4-7 Big 10) clash with the fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines (20-2, 9-2 Big 10) at Louis Brown Athletic Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Michigan Wolverines at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last outing. The Scarlet Knights fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes, 76-62, while the Wolverines were defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes, 74-59.
Michigan had a better turnover percentage (10.2 vs. 14.0) while Rutgers had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 34.5). Eugene Omoruyi played a pivotal role for Rutgers with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Michigan received a boost from Ignas Brazdeikis, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds.
The Wolverines won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 62-47. Michigan had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.353). Rutgers, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (11-15; 73.3 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The inefficient offense of Rutgers (303rd in the country with an offensive efficiency of 98.5) will clash against the elite defense of Michigan (third in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 86.5). The Wolverines figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Moreover, the Wolverines, who rank 283rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.202), will face off against the Scarlet Knights, who rank 43rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.185).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.7) while Rutgers ranks 147th (6.8).
- The Wolverines rank sixth in assists allowed per game (9.7) while the Scarlet Knights rank 102nd (12.5).
- Michigan ranks 42nd in blocks per game (4.3) while Rutgers ranks 96th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The Wolverines rank first in three pointers allowed per game (16.3) while the Scarlet Knights rank 141st (22.5).
- Rutgers ranks 27th in rebounds per game (39.5) while Michigan ranks 139th (36.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 65.0 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
- The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 13.9 for the season.
