The Penn State Nittany Lions (13-7) travel to face off against the Michigan Wolverines (14-5) on Monday, January 27th. This game will be played at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor and televised on BTN. Both Penn State and Michigan will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 ET.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs Michigan Wolverines
The Nittany Lions Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Penn State Nittany Lions Recent Game/Games
Penn State fell to 13-7 on the season after a narrow 76-75 road loss to Iowa on Friday. The Nittany Lions, who were +3.5 point underdogs going into the game, managed to cover the spread.
Penn State trailed 43-38 at halftime but outscored Iowa 37-33 in the second half. The game’s total points of 151 fell short of the 168.5 O/U line.
The Wolverines Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Michigan Wolverines Recent Game/Games
Michigan’s season record dropped to 14-5 after a 91-64 road loss to Purdue on Friday. Entering the game as +4 underdogs, the Wolverines failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 155 exceeded the O/U line of 151.5.
Michigan found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 51-26 at halftime. While they managed to score 38 points in the 2nd half, they couldn’t make a significant dent, allowing 40 points to Purdue after the break.
Nittany Lions Offense Breakdown
In their last game, Penn State put up 75 points, shooting 49.1% from the field. They hit just 22.7% of their threes, going 5-for-22, but connected on 65.7% of their two-point attempts, finishing 23-for-35 inside the arc.
Nick Kern Jr. led the way with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Owen Freeman and Drew Thelwell each added 16 points. Thelwell knocked down 3 of 5 threes, and Josh Dix contributed 11 points and 8 assists.
Wolverines Offense Breakdown
In their last game, Michigan’s offense struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 6 of 29 threes for a 20.7% shooting percentage. Overall, they shot 37% from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 42.6%. Inside the arc, they were more efficient, converting 56% of their two-point attempts.
Braden Smith led the way with 24 points and 10 assists, shooting 58.8% from the field despite missing all 4 of his three-point attempts. Fletcher Loyer connected on 5 of 10 threes, finishing with 18 points. As a team, Michigan hit 85.7% of their free throws, going 18 for 21 from the line.
Nittany Lions Team Defense
Despite Penn State’s defensive struggles, they allowed 76 points on 50% shooting from the field. The Nittany Lions gave up 17 two-point field goals on 33 attempts, a 51% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Penn State allowed 11 threes on 23 attempts, with the opposing team shooting 47%. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 15 times, where they made 9 free throws, shooting 60%. Penn State gave up 6 offensive rebounds.
Wolverines Team Defense
Despite Penn State’s defensive efforts, they allowed 76 points, with the opposing team shooting 50% from the field. The Nittany Lions gave up 17 two-point field goals on 33 attempts, a 51% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Penn State’s defense couldn’t contain the three-point shooters, who hit 11 of 23 threes, shooting 47%. They also sent the opposing team to the line 15 times, where they made 9 free throws, shooting 60%. Penn State allowed 6 offensive rebounds.
Nittany Lions vs Wolverines Trends
- Through their last five road games, Penn State has an ATS record of just 2-3. However, their overall record was 1-4 while averaging 72 points per game.
- In their last five games at home, the Wolverines have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 82 points per game in this stretch.
- Spanning across their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Nittany Lions have gone 5-3-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-9.
- Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Wolverines have a straight up record of 7-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 5-5.
Nittany Lions vs Wolverines Prediction
When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Wolverines vs. Wolverines game, our recommendation is to take the Wolverines at -8.5. Despite our model showing the Wolverines winning 76-70, we like Nittany Lions as our point-spread pick.
Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 160.5, and our model predicts the Nittany Lions and Wolverines to score a combined 146 points. We recommend betting on the under.
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:January 27, 2025 Michigan Wolverines, Penn State Nittany Lions