The No. 9 Rutgers Scarlet Knights battle the 8th-seeded Michigan Wolverines Thursday in the 2nd round of the Big Ten Tournament. Tip from the United Center is set for noon ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rutgers vs. Michigan odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rutgers lost to Michigan 58-45 on Feb. 23 at home, failing to cover as a 6-point favorite in their lone meeting during the regular season.
The Scarlet Knights have failed to cover their last 2 games and are just 1-6-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 8 games. They are 17-13-1 ATS on the season and 12-19 O/U.
The Wolverines have covered 5 in a row, winning 3 of them outright. Their last 3 games have gone to overtime in which they are just 1-2 straight up. Michigan is also 17-13-1 ATS on the season and 18-13 O/U.
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Rutgers vs. Michigan odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rutgers +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Michigan -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rutgers +3.5 (-115) | Michigan -3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rutgers vs. Michigan picks and predictions
Prediction
Michigan 68, Rutgers 61
Moneyline
PASS.
Michigan has played far better to end the season and beat Rutgers by 13 on its home court. The Wolverines aren’t worth a play at (-170) given they are still 3-4 straight up over their last 7.
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Against the spread
LEAN MICHIGAN -3.5 (-105).
Simply put, Michigan is playing better basketball. March is about getting hot and staying hot. Rutgers has lost 2 in a row and 6 of its last 8 games. Michigan has covered 5 in a row and 8 of its last 10.
That’s an impressive stretch of play from the Wolverines. They have scored at least 84 in 3 of their last 5 games. Michigan is 12-7-1 ATS in conference games while Rutgers is just 10-9-1 ATS.
Considering the trends pointing to the Wolverines, back MICHIGAN -3.5 (-105).
Over/Under
BET UNDER 133.5 (-110).
Rutgers has gone Under in 4 of its last 5 games and in 7 of its last 9. The Scarlet Knights have scored under 60 points in 4 of its last 5 games as well. Their offense, which ranks 274th in points per game (68.2), hasn’t been there down the stretch.
Michigan is 4-3 O/U in its last 7, but ranks outside the top 150 in field goal and 3-point field goal percentage. Its offense has played to the pace and tempo of its competition and hasn’t been consistently good either.
Considering the first battle ended 58-45, ultimately back the UNDER 133.5 (-110).
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