The Ball State Cardinals (8-3) travel to face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-3) on Thursday, December 21st. This game will be played at Williams Arena in Minneapolis and televised on B1G+. Both Ball State and Minnesota will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 ET.
Ball State Cardinals vs Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Ball State Cardinals Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Ball State enters today’s game against Minnesota with a season record of 8-3. In their previous ten road games, which includes last year, Ball State went 4-6. As we assess Ball State’s performance versus the spread, they come into today’s game with a 6-2 ATS record. This season, their overall ATS record consists of a 2-2 mark on the road and a perfect 4-0 record at home.
Through 11 games, Ball State has an over/under record of 3-5-0 with their games averaging a combined 141.4 points per game so far. When assessing the Cardinals’ performance in their last three games, their over/under record stands at 2-1, with their games averaging 147 points per game.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Minnesota currently holds a record of 8-3 heading into today’s matchup. In away games, the Golden Gophers are 0-2 so far this season, while they boast a 5-1 record at home. As Minnesota prepares to face Ball State, their ATS record stands at 5-2-1. Thus far this season, Minnesota has been solid vs. the spread with a 5-0 mark in their last ten games.
So far, Minnesota’s games have averaged 147.8 points per game with the average over/under line being 144.6 points. The Golden Gophers have seen their last five games conclude with a collective average of 152 points per game and an over/under record of 3-2.
Ball State Offense Breakdown
Coming off their recent game, the Ball State offense tallied 72 points in a matchup against Indiana State. Their field goal percentage for the game was 43.3%, and they made 11 threes. On the offensive front, the Cardinals have a season-long field goal percentage of 46%, ranking 140th nationally. When it comes to three-point shooting, they are ranked 127th in terms of percentage and 188th in three-pointers made.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basheer Jihad (F) | 18.5 | 7.3 | 1.3 |
| Jalin Anderson (G) | 15.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Mickey Pearson Jr (F) | 12.0 | 4.7 | 0.8 |
Minnesota Offense Breakdown
The Minnesota offense is coming off a game where they scored 74 points against Ohio State. They posted a field goal percentage of 48.3% and connected on 4 threes. Offensively, the Golden Gophers hold a season-long field goal percentage of 49%, placing them 71st in the national rankings. When it comes to three-pointers, they are ranked 268th in terms of percentage and 179th in three-pointers made.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dawson Garcia (F) | 18.2 | 7.3 | 2.1 |
| Joshua Ola-Joseph (F) | 10.5 | 2.9 | 1.0 |
| Cam Christie (G) | 11.6 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
Ball State Team Defense
At present, the Cardinals’ defense is nationally ranked 53rd, allowing 64.9 points per game. In their most recent game, the Ball State defense struggled to defend the three-point line, as Indiana State knocked down 9 three-pointers on their way to 83 points.
Minnesota Team Defense
Currently, the Golden Gophers’ defense holds the 59th rank in the nation, allowing 65.3 points per game. Against Ohio State in their most recent game, the Minnesota defense gave up a total of 84 points while allowing Ohio State to hit 50% of their shots.
Cardinals vs Golden Gophers Trends
- In their last five road games, Ball State has averaged 67 points per game while allowing 79. The team’s record in this stretch was 1-4 while going 3-2.
- Across the Golden Gophers last three home games, the team averaged 62 points per game while allowing 76. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 0-3 straight-up.
- In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Cardinals have a straight up record of 2-3 and an ATS mark of 4-1.
- Minnesota has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 5-0 SU and 5-0 ATS in their last five games.
Cardinals vs Golden Gophers Prediction
For a point-spread wager in this Golden Gophers vs. Golden Gophers game, we suggest taking the Golden Gophers at -12. Even though our predictions have the Golden Gophers winning 76-68, we see the Cardinals as the better choice on the point-spread.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 141.5 and our model has the Cardinals and Golden Gophers finishing with a combined 144 points. Our pick is to take the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:December 21, 2023 Ball State Cardinals, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Teams