A Big Ten match up featuring two teams with impressive overall records, but that were built up through relatively weak non- conference schedules. It's now time to see who is for real as conference play heats up.
Minnesota (13-2, 1-1 Big Ten) is led by G Nate Mason who averages 14.7 ppg and 5.8 assists, but he get's plenty of help inside from F Jordan Murphy, who posts a 11.0 ppg / 8.5 rpg line. The Gophers are coming off a nice 91-82 OT win at Purdue on Sunday.
The Wildcats (12-3, 1-1) are unbeaten at home. Scottie Lindsey and Vic Law are Northwestern's leading scorers, while big 6'6" G Sanjay Lumpkin is the teams leading rebounder (7.3). The Cats are coming off a loss at Michigan State last Saturday.
In what seems to be a pretty even matchup, I like the fact that Minnesota is getting points. I also like the fact that they already have a tough conference road win under their belt.
I recommend MINN +3.5 over NW.
The FSI rates it NW -0.93.
Good luck, players!
| 9:00pm | Minnesota +3.5 | Northwestern -3.5 |
| Simple Rating System | +16.98 | +13.91 |
| True Shooting % | 0 (184 - .541) | +1 (142 - .550) |
| Home Court | 0 | +3 |
| Total | +16.98 | +17.91 |
| Formulated Spread | +0.93 | -0.93 |
| Pick (units) | MINN +3.5 (1 unit) | ------- |
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