Michigan vs Minnesota

Michigan Wolverines vs Minnesota Prediction 1/16

The Michigan Wolverines (13-3) travel to face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-9) on Thursday, January 16th. This game will be played at Williams Arena in Minneapolis and televised on FS1. Michigan is coming off a win in their previous game, while Minnesota is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Maryland. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.

Michigan Wolverines vs Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Wolverines Are Coming Off A Win

Michigan improved to 13-3 on the season with a 91-75 home win over Washington on Sunday. The Wolverines entered the game as 14-point favorites and covered the spread, while the combined 166 points went over the 154.5-point O/U line.

Michigan led 48-38 at halftime and continued to control the game in the second half, outscoring Washington 43-37.

The Golden Gophers Are Coming Off A Win

Minnesota Golden Gophers Recent Game/Games

The Golden Gophers fell to 8-9 on the season after a 77-71 loss to Maryland on Monday. Despite being +15 point underdogs, Minnesota kept things closer than expected.

Leading 35-32 at halftime, the Gophers allowed 45 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36. The total points for the game went over the 138.5 O/U line, finishing at 148.

Wolverines Offense Breakdown

Michigan’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 91 points on 52.7% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.8%, thanks in part to their 69.2% shooting on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, the Wolverines hit 11 of 29 threes, good for 37.9%, and they connected on 22 of 32 free throws, shooting 68.8% from the line.

Great Osobor led the way with 23 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 55.6% from the field and 66.7% from three. Vladislav Goldin was nearly perfect, hitting 6 of 7 shots for 19 points, while Nimari Burnett was a perfect 6 for 6, including 4 for 4 from three, finishing with 16 points. Michigan also dished out 19 assists in the win.

Golden Gophers Offense Breakdown

In their last game, Minnesota’s offense put up 71 points, shooting 41.5% from the field. They hit 47.1% from beyond the arc, connecting on 8 of 17 attempts, and were efficient from the free-throw line, making 19 of 23 for 82.6%.

Derik Queen led the way with 27 points on 10 of 15 shooting, while Rodney Rice and Dawson Garcia each added 21 points. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Lu’Cye Patterson, and Isaac Asuma all contributed 15 points, with Gillespie also dishing out 7 assists.

Wolverines Team Defense

Michigan’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 75 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 52% from the field. They were particularly vulnerable inside, where they allowed 69% shooting on two-point attempts.

From beyond the arc, Michigan’s defense gave up 11 threes on 29 attempts, a 37% shooting rate. They also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 32 times, where they converted 22 free throws, shooting 68%.

Golden Gophers Team Defense

Michigan’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 75 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 52% from the field. The Wolverines had a tough time defending inside, as the other team hit 69% of their two-point attempts, going 18/26.

From beyond the arc, Michigan’s defense allowed 11 threes on 29 attempts, a 37% shooting performance. The other team also got to the free-throw line 32 times, making 22 of those shots for 68%. Michigan gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.

Wolverines vs Golden Gophers Trends

  • Although Michigan has a straight up record of 5-5 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 5-5. The team averaged 72 points per game in these games.
  • Across their five previous home games, Minnesota has an ATS mark of 1-4. Their straight up record in these matchups was 0-5 while averaging 62 points per game.
  • Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Golden Gophers have a straight up record of 1-9. But, their mark vs the spread was just 3-6-1.
  • Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Wolverines have a straight up record of 8-2. Their record vs the spread in these games was 6-4.

Wolverines vs Golden Gophers Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +9.5, we recommend going with the Golden Gophers on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 144.5 and our model has the Wolverines and Golden Gophers finishing with a combined 145 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.