Expectations are high for a Minnesota Golden Gophers squad returning the bulk of a lineup that entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 5 seed last season. And though the Golden Gophers walked through South Carolina Upstate in their season opener – as they should have – they will face their first real test against a tough Providence Friars squad Monday.
The frontcourt pairing of Jordan Murphy and Reggie Lynch showed they are ready to dominate this season, as the duo combined for 50 points and 25 rebounds in the season opener. Again, the competition was not great but the Gophers’ ability to finish around the rim this season will be hard to compete against. That being said, the backcourt struggled to find its shooting stroke against SCU with the three starters shooting a combined 8-for-24 from the field and 5-for-14 from deep.
Providence is largely the same team as they were last season with the Friars returning seven of their eight players to average 11-plus minutes per game. Though the offense-by-committee approach got Providence into the Madness last season, the team was far from a juggernaut on that end of the floor. The Friars had no problems against Houston Baptist in their season opener, scoring 84 points and shooting 50 percent from the floor.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the Sportsbook NCAA basketball betting line for this matchup, Providence sat as a 3.5-point favorite over at Sportsbook. Also, check out the current OVER/UNDER betting total for points scored, which often goes up first at online sportsbook Sportsbook
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Providence Friars Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Minnesota Golden Gophers will look to cover the spread vs the Providence Friars on Monday, as the Golden Gophers are 0-0 versus the spread this season, while the Friars are 0-0 ATS. Minnesota is 0-0 against the total, while Providence is 0-0 versus the total betting line.
The Friars sit at No. 111 in the current college hoops power poll here at OddsShark, while the Golden Gophers sit at No. 139 on the same chart.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Golden Gophers used a 35-point performance from Jordan Murphy to help Minnesota smack USC Upstate 92-77 on Friday at Williams Arena.
The Friars blew out Houston Baptist on Friday, running up a 20+ point victory in a 84-55 win at Alumni Hall-RI.
Next Betting Matchups
Minnesota home to Niagara, Wednesday, November 15
Providence at Washington, Thursday, November 16