One of the biggest games of this young college basketball season highlights Wednesday’s schedule, as the Minnesota Golden Gophers host the Miami Hurricanes. Both programs have yet to suffer a loss this season but have gone undefeated in very different ways.
Minnesota has picked up its victories thanks to a prolific offense, as the Gophers are averaging 90.7 points per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field. Of course, the team is led by standout forward Jordan Murphy, who is averaging 22.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game – all team highs.
Miami, on the other hand, is defense-oriented with the ’Canes allowing just 54.0 ppg. No team has scored more than 65 points against Miami this season, though it is also worth noting that their opponents have not exactly been scary. Bruce Brown’s versatility makes the balanced offense of Miami tick, as the sophomore is averaging 9.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Minnesota Golden Gophers were listed as 4.5-point favorites at most sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark earlier in the day. It opened first at Sportsbook, where the OVER/UNDER betting odds total was expected shortly.
Miami Hurricanes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Miami Hurricanes will try to spoil the party and cover the point spread on Wednesday; they are 2-1 against the betting line this season, while the Minnesota Golden Gophers are 5-1 ATS. The Hurricanes are 2-1 on betting the total; the Golden Gophers are 5-1.
It's a betting matchup between the No. 32-rated Golden Gophers and the No. 139-ranked Hurricanes, according to the latest pro hoops power rankings here at OddsShark.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and Minnesota has the nation's No. 12-rated offensive output, at 90.71 PPG. The visiting Miami Hurricanes defense ranks No. 3 allowing on average 54 PPG. The Golden Gophers FG% has averaged 50.22% so far, more than the Hurricanes marksmen have achieved on the year, 50% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Miami cruised to victory on Saturday, running North Florida out of the gym and running up a 86-65 score at Watsco Center.
Nate Mason scored 20 points leading the Golden Gophers to a 89-84 victory over Alabama at Barclays Center on Saturday.
Next Betting Matchups
Miami home to Princeton, Saturday, December 2
Minnesota at Rutgers, Sunday, December 3