The 25th-ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights (16-5, 7-3 Big 10) will clash against the Michigan Wolverines (12-8, 3-6 Big 10) at Madison Square Garden. The game gets underway at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Wolverines defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 79-68, while the Scarlet Knights beat the Purdue Boilermakers 70-63.
Rutgers played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.568 (above their season average of 0.196) and a turnover percentage of 19.0 (worse than their season average of 16.2). Purdue put up marks of 0.115 and 21.6, respectively, for those same stats. The Wolverines, on the other hand, held the Cornhuskers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.4 (below their season average of 22.1) and had a free throw rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.172). Michigan was lifted by Eli Brooks, who finished with 20 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Caleb McConnell fueled Rutgers with 16 points and seven rebounds.
The Wolverines won the lone game between these two teams last season, 77-65. The Wolverines’ 9.7 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Scarlet Knights, who had a mark of 12.2. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Michigan ranks 39th in effective field goal percentage (0.537) and Rutgers is 16th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.436).
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Michigan ranks 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while Rutgers ranks 262nd (17.7).
- The Wolverines rank 22nd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Scarlet Knights rank 94th (6.1).
- Michigan ranks 41st in assists per game (15.2) while Rutgers ranks 103rd (13.8).
- The Scarlet Knights average 40.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 21st in the NCAA. The Wolverines rank 151st in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
- Michigan ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Rutgers ranks 127th (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (5.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
- The Scarlet Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 10.8 for the season.
