The Penn State Nittany Lions (14-17, 7-13 Big 10), 2-point favorites, go head-to-head with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (19-12, 9-11 Big 10) in the Big Ten Tourney at United Center. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 135.5 points and it begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Odds
The Nittany Lions beat the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last outing, 72-56, comfortably covering as 8-point favorites. The Golden Gophers, meanwhile, were defeated by the 24th-ranked Maryland Terrapins in their last outing, 69-60, and were not able to cover as 7-point underdogs. The Penn State game finished 18 points under the projected point total of 146, while the Minnesota game went 6 points under the projected point total of 135.
Penn State played a nearly perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.500 (above their season average of 0.475) and a turnover percentage of 18.4 (worse than their season average of 15.6). Illinois had marks of 0.387 and 22.8, respectively, for those same stats. Minnesota, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.182 vs. 0.161). Jordan Murphy was a key piece for Minnesota with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Josh Reaves led the way for Penn State, putting up 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Of the Nittany Lions’ 31 games, 18 have finished under the total. Penn State heads into the game with records of 14-17 straight up (SU) and 16-14-1 against the spread (ATS).
Similarly to Penn State, just over half of Golden Gophers games have finished under the total. Further, Minnesota is 19-12 SU and 15-16 ATS.
The aggressive Minnesota offense could be living from the foul line in this showdown. The Golden Gophers rank 22nd in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.288, while Penn State ranks 215th in FTA rate allowed (0.239).
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Minnesota, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Penn State ranks 38th in steals per game (7.7) while Minnesota ranks 225th (4.9).
- The Golden Gophers average 37.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 62nd in the nation. The Nittany Lions rank 125th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
- Minnesota averages 14.6 assists per game, which ranks 70th in the country. Penn State ranks 72nd in assists allowed per game (11.9).
- The Nittany Lions rank 181st in three pointers attempted per game (21.9) while the Golden Gophers rank 309th (16.7).
- Penn State ranks 72nd in blocks per game (3.8) while Minnesota ranks 198th in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Nittany Lions are 4-0-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Golden Gophers are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Penn State has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Minnesota has 4 unders and 1 over.
- During their last five games, the Nittany Lions have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (4.6 below their season average).
- The Golden Gophers have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 2.4 points.
