Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Xavier Musketeers – Round 1 – West Region College Hoops Gambling
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You know it’s out there. That magical Cinderella team, waiting to win your heart. This year, I have to wonder if it’s Minnesota. Don’t laugh! These guys battled all the way to the Big Ten championship game and have beaten Purdue, Wisconsin, and Michigan State this season. Doesn’t that mean they have a shot against Xavier?
Minnesota vs Xavier – Friday, March 19, 12:25 p.m. ET
Minnesota -1
Xavier +1
Total: 142
The one-point spread tells us that (a) this game is a pick ’em and (b) bettors and sportsbooks alike are truly respecting the Gophers’ run, making them a favorite despite their No. 11 seeding.
Minnesota isn’t a flashy team by any means; it succeeds more because of its defense than its offense and relies on a team concept, with no players averaging better than Lawrence Westbrook’s 12.6 points per game. Damian Johnson has been a force on “D” for Minnesota this season, leading the team in blocks and steals and averaging 10 points per game.
Devoe Joseph is no Al Nolen (academic ineligibility) on defense, but he’s improving and is a better offensive player than Nolen.
The Gophers do their offensive damage through their exceptional long-range shooting. They shot over 40 per cent as a team from beyond the arc and their key specialist, Blake Hoffenberg, shot an outstanding 47.2 per cent.
A top-10 offensive team at 80 points per game, Xavier is almost everything Minnesota isn’t. It has more dynamic offensive talent, especially through Jordan Crawford but also through Terrell Holloway. It also plays physical basketball and is a powerhouse on the boards. 
My “hunch” about Minnesota is strange in that it’s not about Xavier’s recent play. The Musketeers have been fine (though they lost to Richmond in the A-10 championship game) and do pose a major threat to Minnesota with their scoring and rebounding ability. But the Gophers continue to sneak up on people.
Their 69-42 dismantling of Purdue really showed what they’re capable of. Given their defensive maturity and consistently good long-range shooting, I think they can pull off the “upset.”
Betting Trends:
Musketeers are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a SU loss
Musketeers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog
Musketeers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5
Musketeers are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 NCAA Tournament games
Golden Gophers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games
Golden Gophers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600
Golden Gophers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record
Golden Gophers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall
Golden Gophers vs. Musketeers Free Tournament Pick:Against the spread: Minnesota -1
Straight up: Minnesota
2010 Bracketology (Click Links Below To View Each March Madness Bracket)
MIDWEST Bracket (St. Louis)
WEST Bracket (Salt Lake City)
EAST Bracket (Syracuse)
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