The Northwestern Wildcats (11-6, 2-4 Big Ten) meet the No. 19 Michigan Wolverines (13-4, 5-1) Sunday. Tip-off from Crisler Center in Ann Arbor is set for 2 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Northwestern vs. Michiganodds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.
Northwestern snapped its 3-game losing streak on Thursday, beating the Maryland Terrapins 76-74 in overtime as F Nick Martinelli (22 points) made a baseline jumper at the buzzer for the win. The Wildcats won outright as 2-point home underdogs as the Over 139.5 hit. Their defense was solid too, forcing 16 Maryland turnovers.
Michigan’s 5-game win streak came to an end on Thursday with an 84-81 overtime loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Wolverines didn’t cover as 10.5-point road favorite as the Over 144.5 hit. C Danny Wolf did everything he could, scoring 23 points, grabbing 10 boards and dishing out 7 assists.
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Northwestern at Michigan odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:27 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +375 (bet $100 to win $375) | Michigan -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +9.5 (+100) | Michigan -9.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Northwestern at Michigan picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan 81, Northwestern 67
Moneyline
PASS.
The Wolverines (-500) have won their last 5 home games against Northwestern, and they’ll make that 6 straight on Sunday afternoon, which is why I’ll take my wager to the spread.
Against the spread
BET MICHIGAN -9.5 (-120).
Michigan has had Northwestern’s number at home, covering 4 of the last 5 matchups at the Crisler Center. They’ve also covered the spread in their last 3 home games. On the flip side, Northwestern has struggled on the road, especially in their last Big Ten matchup against Purdue, where they couldn’t cover as 6.5-point underdogs.
The Wildcats sit 16th in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging just 73.8 points per game (PPG), which is nowhere near enough to compete with Michigan. The Wolverines rank third in the conference in point differential at +15.8, and their size and depth are tough to handle. Michigan’s big men play a key role in their efficiency, leading the Big Ten in shooting percentage at 51.5%.
Northwestern’s duo of Martinelli and G Brooks Barnhizer won’t be enough to keep up, and Michigan’s ability to stretch the floor with 38.4% shooting from beyond the arc adds another layer to their offensive firepower. First-year Michigan coach Dusty May has them playing at a high level.
Over/Under
BET OVER 146.5 (-110).
The Over has hit in 3 of the last 5 matchups between Michigan and Northwestern, and it’s also cashed in Northwestern’s last 6 games. Michigan has seen the Over hit in 8 of their last 10 games, and they’ve been scoring big, averaging 92 PPG over their last 6 outings. Sunday should be full of points with both teams trending that way.
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