Rutgers vs Michigan Picks and Predictions: Wolverines Defense Ready to Clamp Down

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (14-14 SU, 13-13-2 ATS) vs. Michigan Wolverines (21-6 SU, 13-14 ATS)

When: Thursday, February 27th, 9:00 PM (ET)

Where: Crisler Center, MI, Ann Arbor

TV: PEAC

Point Spread: RUTGER +10.5/MICH -10.5

Total: 154.5

Money Line: Rutgers Scarlet Knights +425/-590

Notable Injuries

Scarlet Knights

Wolverines

• Rubin Jones (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Sam Walters (Questionable) Back

Recent Form

Rutgers moved to 14-14 on the season with a 95-85 win over USC on Sunday. Playing at home, the Scarlet Knights were favored by 3.5 points and covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total points of 180 exceeded the over/under line of 151.5.

Rutgers led 44-39 at halftime and put up 51 points in the second half while allowing 46 to the Trojans.

Michigan Wolverines Recent Game/Games

Michigan improved to 21-6 on the season with a 49-46 win over Nebraska on Monday. The Wolverines were -1.5 favorites going into the game and covered the spread with the victory.

Michigan led 25-21 at halftime and scored 24 points in the 2nd half while allowing 25. The combined points of 95 fell well below the O/U line of 152.5.

Analysis

Rutgers put up 95 points in their last game, shooting 55.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 63%. They hit 61.8% of their two-point attempts and 45% from beyond the arc, going 9-for-20 from three. At the free-throw line, they were nearly perfect, making 26 of 28 attempts for a 92.9% success rate.

Desmond Claude led the way with 30 points, shooting 57.1% overall. Dylan Harper added 25 points, hitting 4 of 8 from three and dishing out nine assists. Wesley Yates III contributed 23 points, connecting on 3 of 5 from downtown.

Rutgers struggled defensively, giving up 85 points on 55% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponents to connect on 21 of 34 two-point attempts, a 61% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Rutgers’ defense allowed nine threes on 20 attempts, with their opponents shooting 45%. They also sent them to the line 28 times, where they hit 92% of their free throws.

Michigan’s offense struggled mightily in their last game, putting up just 49 points while shooting 29.5% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 32.8%, and they connected on only 18.5% of their three-point attempts, going 5-for-27 from deep.

Brice Williams was a bright spot, scoring 26 points and hitting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. The Wolverines had 12 offensive rebounds and 12 assists, with Tre Donaldson contributing 11 points and eight boards.

Michigan’s defense was dominant, holding their opponent to just 46 points on 25% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making only 10 of 34 attempts, a 29% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Michigan’s defense was just as effective, as the opposition hit only 6 of 28 threes, shooting 21%. They also sent the other team to the line 12 times, where they made eight free throws, shooting 66%.

Betting Trends

• Across the Scarlet Knights last three road games, the team averaged 75 points per game while allowing 83. Their record vs. the spread in these contests was 1-1-1 while going 1-2 straight-up.
• Through their last ten home games, Michigan has an ATS record of just 5-5. However, their overall record was 7-3 while averaging 74 points per game.
• Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Scarlet Knights have a straight-up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-1-1.
• In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Wolverines have a straight-up record of 4-1 while going 1-4 against the spread.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Thursday night features a smaller slate of games across college basketball, and the Big 10 just has Rutgers on the road to take on Michigan, who is favored by -10.5. The Wolverines are coming off a stretch where they lost a big one vs Michigan State and scored just 49 points vs Nebraska. As for Rutgers, they have been up and down all season, and even though they nearly dropped 100 points in their last game, this is a good Michigan defensive team, and I see them struggling tonight. I’m taking the Wolverines to cover.