Posted on 1/31/2008 3:05:52 PM

NCAA Basketball Free Picks – Minnesota at Michigan

By Eric Williams

The Minnesota Golden Gophers, (12-6 SU, 7-6 ATS, 7-6 O/U) have lost three consecutive games coming into tonight’s matchup, including a resounding 76-60 road loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday while the Michigan Wolverines, (5-15 SU, 5-13 ATS, 12-6 O/U) have lost four straight and eight of their last nine heading into this Big Ten showdown.

Minnesota hits the road for the second straight game as they travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan tonight at Crisler Arena. The Gophers are just 2-4 on the road this season but are ranked 55th in the nation in scoring defense, limiting their opponents to a measly 62.9 points per game.

Despite their dismal 5-15 straight up record in head coach John Bielein’s first season, the Wolverines have faced eight nationally ranked teams in its 20 games, with five of those coming against top 10 teams.

The Wolverines are led by freshman guard Manny Harris, who is averaging 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 32.5 minutes per game while the Golden Gophers are led by senior forward Dan Coleman, (13.9 ppg).

Minnesota has performed respectably against the spread in head coach Tubby Smith’s first season and has gone 4-4 ATS in their last eight games. The Wolverines are just 4-6 in their last 10 games against the spread but have covered the spread in their last two.

Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NCAA basketball Free Pick.

Key Golden Gophers Trends

The Golden Gophers are 7-16-1 ATS in their last 24 games following a S.U. loss.

The Golden Gophers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven Thursday games.

Key Wolverines Trends

The Wolverines are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a S.U. loss.

The Wolverines are 3-8 ATS in their last eleven games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.

Key Totals Trends

The Under is 5-0 in Golden Gophers last five Thursday games.

The Under is 4-0 in Wolverines last four vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

Key Head-to-Head Trends

The Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.

The Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Michigan.

Analysis: While the Michigan Wolverines will be playing at home tonight, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are quietly one of the best defensive teams in the nation under venerable head coach Tubby Smith. Take Minnesota to cover the spread with a big road victory tonight.

NCAAB Free Picks: Minnesota -2 Points

07:00 PM EST NCAAB Betting Odds

Minnesota U -2 -110

Michigan +2 -110

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