The No. 14 Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-0) are off to a hot start and will try to stay unbeaten when they challenge the Western Carolina Catamounts (1-2) at Williams Arena. Minnesota opened as a 27.5-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 151 points. Action gets underway at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 19, 2017.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Free Preview
In the Catamounts last outing, they won big over the Hiwassee College Tigers, 76-57. With 13 points and 10 rebounds, Western Carolinas Marc Gosselin had a solid performance. Western Carolina played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 7.3 and a free throw rate of 0.139. For those same stats, Hiwassee College recorded marks of 27.6 and 0.057, respectively.
The Golden Gophers hope to maintain momentum after thoroughly outplaying the Niagara Purple Eagles in their last game, 107-81. With 18 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Reggie Lynch led Minnesota in scoring. Minnesota dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 4.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.609. For those same stats, Niagara was 9.8 and 0.435, respectively.
Minnesota could dominate on defense as they battle against one of the worst offenses in the NCAA. Dating back to last season, the Golden Gophers rank 13th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.454), while Western Carolina is 345th in effective field goal percentage (0.436). Also, the Catamounts, who rank 343rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.183), could struggle to get to the line against the Golden Gophers, who rank 44th in opponents FTA rate (0.201).
Since last season, the Catamounts are 10-25 straight up (SU) and 10-18 against the spread (ATS). Since last season, Western Carolina games have had no tendency in regards to the O/U total as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
On the other hand, the Golden Gophers, are 27-9 SU and 21-13 ATS since last season. Minnesotas games have had a tendency to go over the projected point total over that same period (61.8 percent).
Western Carolina Catamounts at Minnesota Golden Gophers Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Minnesota, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Golden Gophers rank 15th in rebounds per game (40.0) while the Catamounts rank 195th in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
- Western Carolina ranks 262nd in three pointers attempted per game (18.6) while Minnesota ranks 271st (18.4).
- Minnesota ranks first in blocks per game (6.8) while Western Carolina ranks 246th (2.3).
- The Golden Gophers rank 65th in assists per game (15.3) while the Catamounts rank 280th (11.4).
- Minnesota ranks 67th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Western Carolina ranks 275th (8.4).
