Minnesota vs Northwestern Prediction 3/12/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Minnesota vs Northwestern prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, March 12th at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 15-16 (7-13) this year after they lost to Rutgers in overtime by a score of 75-67 in their last game. Minnesota trailed 38-29 at halftime, but they held Rutgers to just 23 points in the second half, before losing in overtime. The Golden Gophers shot 40.6% from the field, 12.5% on three pointers, and 56.5% on free throws in the game. Dawson Garcia led Minnesota with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Frank Mitchell added 12 points and 11 rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Golden Gophers lost to Wisconsin by a score of 74-67, but did beat Nebraska by a score of 67-65 before that. Minnesota has lost four of their last five games and they finished tied for 12th in the Big Ten standings with a 7-13 record. Minnesota has scored 68.2 points per game and they have allowed 69.6 points against per game, while also averaging 33.9 rebounds and 15.4 assists per game this season. Dawson Garcia is averaging 19.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while Lu’Cye Patterson is averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this year. Minnesota is shooting 44.3% from the field, 65.8% on free throws, and 32.2% on three pointers this season. 

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 16-15 (7-13) this season after they lost to Maryland by a score of 74-61 in their last game. Northwestern trailed 32-29 at halftime and they allowed 42 points in the second half in the loss. The Wildcats shot 36.4% from the field, 21.1% on three pointers, and 85% on free throws in the game. Nick Martinelli led Northwestern with 28 points and seven rebounds, while Ty Berry added 10 points and two assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Wildcats lost to UCLA by a score of 73-69, but did beat Iowa by a score of 68-57 before that. Northwestern has won three of their last five games and they finished tied with Minnesota (and three other teams) in the Big Ten standings with a 7-13 record. Northwestern has scored 72.7 points per game and they have allowed 69.3 points against per game, while also averaging 33.6 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. Nick Martinelli is averaging 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Ty Berry is averaging 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this year. Northwestern is shooting 44.2% from the field, 73.7% on free throws, and 33.7% on three pointers this season. 

Why Northwestern will beat Minnesota

• Minnesota has lost each of its last five games played at neutral venues.
• Northwestern has won four of its last five games against Minnesota.
• Minnesota has lost the first half in 10 of its last 11 games against the Big Ten Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Northwestern’s last 15 day games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 131+ points.
• Each of Minnesota’s last 12 day games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 129+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Minnesota ranks 31st among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (19.2).
• Minnesota ranks 33rd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.6).
• Northwestern ranks T22nd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.4).
• Northwestern ranks 22nd among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.8).

Minnesota vs Northwestern Prediction

Both of these teams finished the regular season on a sour note and will look to keep their season alive with a win here. Minnesota has lost four of their last five games and their defense has allowed 74+ points in three of their last four. Northwestern has dealt with injuries to their second and third leading scorers, but they have done a good job of staying competitive throughout the season. Northwestern did beat Minnesota by a score of 75-63 a few games ago and I like them again in this spot. The Wildcats are the much better team in my opinion and if they can limit Garcia’s points, this Minnesota offense is in trouble. Take Northwestern here.