Minnesota vs Northwestern Prediction

The game will take place at 6:30 pm. The Minnesota Gophers (13-14) will be clashing against the Northwestern Wildcats (9-14) at Lucas Oil Stadium. These two teams met on February 25th with Northwestern winning 67-59. The Wildcats were a 5 point underdog in their last matchup, and things are a bit different this time around. 

Northwestern may not have the best teams as of late; however, they went on a three-game winning streak against Minnesota, Maryland, and Nebraska. On the other hand, Minnesota is on a seven-game losing streak. Their last win came a month ago against Purdue on February 11th which was close to the very end, 71-68.

Minnesota vs Northwestern Prediction: Matchup #2

Minnesota and Northwestern both prefer perimeter shots. The Gophers defense is more balanced because they tend to allow a combination of shots from both the perimeter and the paint. On defense, the Wildcats surrender more shots from behind the arc.

Northwestern seems to have a slight advantage on the offensive end of the court when compared to Minnesota. The Wildcats rank #51, while their opponent ranks #76.

The Gophers have shot 39.4% from the field which ranks them 259th, and 28.6% from behind the three-point line which ranks them 327th in the nation. The Wildcats are shooting 43.8% from the field which is good for #57 in the nation while shooting 34.9% from behind the three-point line which ranks them at a solid #84th in the country.

However, Minnesota has a high field goal attempt rate which is well above-average, ranked 46th in the country. Meanwhile, their rating for the potential to get fast-break allowed off of steals is very solid 38th in the country. The problem is when the Gophers can’t get fast-break points as they struggle to convert when the defense is set.

As for Northwestern, neither side seems to have the advantage when Northwestern has possession of the ball. However, the team converts at a much higher percentage when the defense is present.

Minnesota averages 73.2 points per game while their defense is giving up 74 points per game. The Wildcats are averaging 70 points per game while their defense is giving up 71.9 points per game.

Northwestern may very well have a slight rebounding advantage at this end of the floor as Minnesota is struggling on the offensive glass ranking them 180th in second-chance points conversion. Northwestern is currently 139th in division 1.

If this game is close, Northwestern does get to the line more often and converts at a higher percentage than the opposition.

PLAYERS TO WATCH/ INJURIES

Marcus Carr has been a bright spot through Minnesota’s struggles. He has been their best player and is averaging 19.6 PPG and 4.0 APG while shooting 39.2 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from downtown.

Liam Robbins and Gabe Kalscheur are both out and Brandon Johnson is listed as questionable. 

Chase Audige has been the best player for Northwestern averaging 12.6 PPG along with 3.5 RPG. He is shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from behind the arc.

BETTING TRENDS

• Minnesota is 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games played

• Northwestern is 3-7-1 against the spread in their last 11 games

• Northwestern has won 2 of its last three games the underdog

FINAL THOUGHTS 

There was once a time where Minnesota was ranked this season; however, they struggled to be consistent as the season progressed. Look for Northwestern to continue their winning streak as the postseason begins. 

 

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