Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAAB Lines & Free Pick

Venue/ Stadium: Williams Arena, Minneapolis, MN

Time/Date: 9 PM EST Tuesday, December 13, 2011
NCAA Odds From: BetOnline
Moneyline: OFF
Spread (ATS): Minnesota -16.5
Over/Under: 128

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview

Minnesota (10-1) has won 4 straight game since losing their only game of the season and while they are not a high scoring team they are a great shooting team ranking 21st in the nation in field goal percentage. On the other side of the coin Central Michigan (4-5) is one of the worst shooting teams in the nation ranking 290th in the nation in field goal percentage and they have lost 2 straight. NCAAB lines have Minnesota as big 16.5-point home favorites with a total of 128.

In their last games Minnesota beat St. Peter’s 69-47 and Central Michigan lost to Tennessee State 65-57.

The Golden Gophers are led by F Trevor Mbakwe, who leads the team in scoring (14 ppg) and rebounding (9.1 rpg). He is the only player for Minnesota that is averaging in double figures and if CMU can shut him down they may have a chance.

The Minnesota G tandem of Julian Welch (9.9 ppg) and Austin Hollins (8.9 ppg) are both solid 3-point shooters and the Chippewas have to play good perimeter D in this game and force some turnovers.

G Trey Zeigler (17.8 ppg) is the big gun for the Chippewas and he must have a big game tonight and if he struggles this game may get ugly. He and G Austin McBroom are the 2 leading scorers and must play well since CMU does not have a great frontcourt.

While the Chippewas are a poor shooting team that does not light up the scoreboard they rank 39th in the nation in rebounds per game while Minnesota only ranks 195th. While Mbakwe is the only Minnesota player that is averaging over 5 rebounds per game this season Zeigler is the leading rebounder for the Chippewas and he is only 6’5″.

The Chippewas must hit the boards this game and create some 2nd chance opportunities off misses and if the Golden Gophers can dominate the glass they will easily win this game.

Betting Trends

This season Minnesota is 4-3-1 ATS and has an O/U record of 3-4-1 and Central Michigan is 4-2-1 ATS and has an O/U record of 3-4.

Central Michigan is 3-9-2 ATS in their last 14 games as a road underdog and has an Under record of 21-6 in their last 27 road games.

Minnesota is 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 home games and has an Under record of 3-0-1 in their last 4 games.

Jason’s Pick: While Minnesota will win this game I think Central Michigan will cover the spread, as this will be a low scoring game.