Free NCAA Hoops Pick: Scarlet Knights vs. Wolverines CBB Odds
Looking for Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines NCAA basketball free picks & CBB odds? CBB betting sees the Scarlet Knights taking on the Wolverines on Thursday February 18, 2021 at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all college basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily basketball predictions like this Scarlet Knights Wolverines matchup.
2021 NCAA Basketball Handicapping
(12-7) Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. #3 Michigan Wolverines (14-1)
Date: Thursday February 18, 2021
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Venue: Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan
CBB Moneyline Odds: OFF
CBB Betting Odds: Rutgers +10
CBB Betting Total: O/U 136.0
The #3 Michigan Wolverines look to continue their run of dominance Thursday when they host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten battle.
Michigan came back from a COVID-19 layoff to come back and win against Wisconsin on the road Sunday. Rutgers has won five of its last six games and is poised for its first NCAA tournament appearance in school history.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers is coming off a win against Northwestern. The Scarlet Knights held Northwestern to just 50 points in that game and just 12 of 36 shooting from inside the arc.
Rutgers defense has been the driving force behind their recent victories. The Knights own the 14th best defensive in terms of rating. The Knights have held their opponents to 56 points or fewer in three of their last five games.
Rutgers is 8-7 in conference play. They are looking for their first victory over Michigan in school history.
Rutgers is averaging 71.8 points per game while allowing 67.9 points per contest. Overall, the Scarlet Knights are shooting 46.1 percent from the floor, 32.5 percent from three-point range and 61.6 percent from the foul line.
Ron Harper Jr., Jacob Young and Geo Baker all average double figures for Rutgers. Myles Johnson is an excellent defender at the rim and will present a tough matchup for Hunter Dickinson.
Harper Jr. has been one of the best players in the country and is averaging a team-high 16.2 points per game, also hauling in an average of 6 boards. He’s scored in double figures in all but four games this year.
Michigan Wolverines
Outside of Baylor and Gonzaga, the Michigan Wolverines have been the most dominant team in college basketball. They shoot the ball effectively, have tremendous length and are blowing teams out of the water. In 14 victories, only two have been by single digits, including its first game back on Sunday against Wisconsin after a three week break due to COVID-19.
Michigan is averaging 78.9 points per game, which is 40th in the nation, and are holding opponents to just 64.9 points per game, ranking 51st. They are shooting 50.2 percent from the floor, 37.9 percent from three-point range and 76.7 percent from the free throw line. The Wolverines are holding opponents to just 37.5% shooting as well and are in the top-10 in the country in both offensive and defensive rating.
Michigan is third in the Big Ten in offensive efficiency and first on defense. They are in the top 30 nationally in 3-point percentage, free throw percentage and effective field goal percentage.
Michigan is one of the most balanced teams in the nation. Isaiah Livers and Hunter Dickinson are an excellent four-five combo that can beat you from outside or the post. Eli Brooks and Mike Smith can pass and score at a high level, and transfer Chaundee Brown has added and shooting and defense on the wing.
Livers has been on a tear recently on offense. The forward is averaging 15 PPG on 46 percent shooting from the outside.
CBB Betting Trends:
- Scarlet Knights are 20-8-2 ATS in their last 30 games following a ATS win.
- Wolverines are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
- Wolverines are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games overall.
Free Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines NCAAB Prediction:
Michigan has been red hot, but I feel that this spread is a basket too many. Rutgers is a lot better than what their 12-7 may indicate, and they present a good matchup to the Wolverines in terms of defensive physicality and elite guard play.
4* Free CBB Betting Pick: Rutgers +10
If you’re looking for more College basketball picks like this Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines matchup we’ll be providing 4* free college basketball predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free NCAAB Hoops picks!
Register here for a FREE CBB Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!