Northwestern Wildcats (15-6) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-7)
February 3, 2024 2:00 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Golden Gophers -1.5; Over/Under: +138.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Northwestern Wildcats will play the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten game on Saturday afternoon at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Northwestern has won two of their last three games, while Minnesota has lost four of their last five. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Northwestern vs Minnesota prediction.
Northwestern Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 15-6 (6-4) this year after they lost to Purdue in overtime by a score of 105-96 in their last game. Northwestern scored 42 points in the second half to force overtime, but allowed 24 points in the extra period for the loss. The Wildcats shot 57.6% from the field and made 14 three pointers in the game. Northwestern defeated Ohio State by a score of 83-58 and Illinois by a score of 96-91 in the two games prior to Purdue. The Wildcats are scoring 75.4 points per game with 29.9 rebounds per game and 16.5 assists per game, while allowing 69.9 points against per game this season. Boo Buie is averaging 18.8 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 5.4 assists per game. Northwestern is shooting 47.9% from the field, 72.8% on free throws, and 38.9% on three pointers this year.
Minnesota Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 13-7 (4-5) this season after they defeated Penn State by a score of 83-74 in their last game. Minnesota trailed 45-31 at the half, but they scored 52 points in the second half for the win. The Golden Gophers shot 53.8% from the field and were +5 in rebounding margin in the game. Minnesota had lost their previous four games against Wisconsin, Michigan State, Iowa, and Indiana. The Golden Gophers are scoring 76.6 points per game with 37.3 rebounds per game and 18.6 assists per game, while giving up 68.3 points against per game this year. Dawson Garcia is averaging 17.5 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game. Minnesota is shooting 47.8% from the field, 67.8% on free throws, and 34% on three pointers this season.
Northwestern vs Minnesota Betting Prediction
Minnesota was able to snap their losing streak in their last game with a great second half effort and they will be at home for this matchup. Northwestern is coming off of an overtime loss to Purdue on the road, but they played pretty well for most of that game. The Wildcats are a better home team, as they have lost four of their five conference road games. Minnesota nearly beat Wisconsin in their last home game and I think they pick up a nice win here. Northwestern is a very solid team, but I need to see them pick up some road wins before backing them away from home. Take the Golden Gophers.
