In this article we will formulate a Minnesota vs Baylor prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, April 1st at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball Crown matchup.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 15-17 (8-12) this season after they lost to Rutgers by a score of 72-67 in their last game. Minnesota led 31-29 at halftime, but they were outscored 43-36 in the second half for the loss. The Golden Gophers shot 52% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 67% on free throws in the game. Cade Tyson led Minnesota with 24 points and four rebounds, while Bobby Durkin added 15 points and four assists in the loss.
Prior to that game, Minnesota defeated Northwestern by a score of 67-66, but lost to Indiana by a score of 77-47 before that. The Golden Gophers have scored 70.0 points per game with 31.0 rebounds and 17.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.5 points against per game this season. Cade Tyson is averaging 19.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while Langston Reynolds is averaging 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota is shooting 46.0% from the field, 70.0% on free throws, and 34.8% on three pointers this season.
Baylor Bears Betting Preview
The Baylor Bears are 16-16 (6-12) this year after they lost to Arizona State by a score of 83-79 in their last game. Baylor trailed 44-35 at halftime, but they did outscore ASU 44-39 in the second half in the close loss. The Bears shot 42% from the field, 24% on three pointers, and 76% on free throws in the game. Cameron Carr led Baylor with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Isaac Williams IV added 15 points and six rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, Baylor defeated Utah by a score of 101-75, but lost to Houston by a score of 77-64 before that. The Bears have scored 82.6 points per game with 36.8 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.2 points against per game this season. Cameron Carr is averaging 19.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Tounde Yessoufou is averaging 17.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Bears. Baylor is shooting 47.9% from the field, 73.2% on free throws, and 34.5% on three pointers this season.
Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win
- Minnesota has won each of its last three games against non-Conference opponents.
- Baylor has lost three of its last four games played at neutral venues.
- Minnesota has won the first half in each of its last four games against the Big 12 Conference.
Why the Baylor Bears will win
- Minnesota has lost each of its last 10 games played at neutral venues.
- Baylor has won six of its last seven games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Baylor has won the first half in 18 of its last 19 Wednesday games against non-Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Baylor’s last 10 games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 149+ points.
- Twenty-four of Minnesota’s last 26 games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Minnesota ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for pace this season (62.7).
- Minnesota ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (52.4).
- Baylor ranks 26th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (29.3).
- Baylor ranks 36th among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (119.3).
Minnesota vs Baylor Prediction
Neither team comes into this matchup with any momentum and they haven’t played in about three weeks, so we could see a slow start here. Minnesota is shooting 46% from the field and they play at a very slow pace. Baylor is shooting 48% from the field and they are averaging 12.6 more points per game, but they also allow nearly 10 more points against per game. I think Baylor’s lack of defense will speed up Minnesota, which should create a fast pace, so I like the over here.