Michigan vs. Rutgers Prediction
Can Michigan pick up a needed win over a feisty Rutgers team when the two collide in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament today at Noon ET?
709 Michigan vs. 710 Rutgers
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Noon ET – Bankers Life Fieldhouse
TV – Big Ten Network
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Michigan Wolverines are favored, as they are getting odds of -3 points against Rutgers. The over/under total for the game is listed at 135 points. The public betting for this game is currently has 73 percent going on Michigan as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Michigan the No. 9 seed
Michigan has been a very streaky team throughout the season and the Wolverines come into Indy as the No. 9 seed after dropping three of their last four, including an 83-70 loss Maryland last weekend. Michigan is 19-12 on the season, 4-0 on a neutral floor, 16-14-1 against the spread and 17-14 with the over.
The Wolverines are putting up 75 points per game this season while shooting 46.2 percent from the field. Defensively, Michigan is giving up 68.3 points per game while holding opponents to 42.3 percent shooting. Isaiah Livers and Zavier Simpson each average 12.9 points per game to lead the team. Simpson also adds 4.5 rebounds and 7.9 assists.
Rutgers wins last two
Rutgers holds the No. 8 seed in this tournament after ending the regular season with a win over Maryland and Purdue. The Knights have also covered in three straight. Rutgers is now 20-11 on the season, 0-2 on a neutral floor, 18-10-2 against the spread and 15-14-1 with the over.
The Knights are averaging 69.9 points per game on offense this season while shooting 44.7 percent from the field. Defensively, Rutgers is allowing 62.6 points per game while holding opponents to just 38.3 percent shooting. Ron Harper Jr. is leading Rutgers with 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while Geo Baker is adding 10.9 points and 3.5 assists per contest.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Michigan
The Wolverines are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven as a favorite and 35-14-3 ATS in their last 52 games on a neutral floor.
Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights are 15-6-1 against the spread in their last 22 games overall and 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 following a win.
Prediction:
Michigan won both meetings with Rutgers this season, picking up wins by six and eight. Both games were a grind, as Rutgers is able to play a slow and low-scoring pace. However, Michigan was able to navigate just find and show it can defend Rutgers as well. The Wolverines looked great on a neutral floor to open the season, so I think they will be comfortable in this environment. This is a bigger stage for a Rutgers program that hasn’t had much success to fall back on in recent years. It may be a little big for them now that they actually have some expectations.
Big Ten Tournament Prediction: Michigan -3