Penn State vs Michigan NCAAB Odds & Game Preview

Penn State vs Michigan NCAAB Odds & Game Preview

Written by on January 3, 2019

The Penn State Nittany Lions travel to Ann Arbor on Thursday, January 3, to take on the Top 5 ranked Michigan Wolverines. Will the Nittany Lions find a way to beat the undefeated Wolverines on the road? If Penn State can’t beat Michigan, will they cover the spread?

Penn State vs Michigan NCAAB Odds & Game Preview

  • When: Thursday, Jan. 3 at 7:00 pm ET
  • Where: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
  • TV: ESPN
  • Radio: Penn State / Michigan
  • Live Stream: WatchESPN
  • ATS Odds: Off (-110)
  • Over/Under Total Odds: Off(-110)

Why Penn State Nittany Lions are a good bet ATS?

The Penn State Nittany Lions are 7-6, but they head to Michigan off their best performance of the season. As a -16.5 favorite, the Lions were supposed to beat the Maryland Baltimore County Retrievers.

Penn State didn’t just beat the Retrievers, they dominated them 74-52. With the win under their belts, Penn State could take a lot of momentum into their game against the Michigan Wolverines. Sometimes, demolishing an overmatched opponent is just what a team needs to get going.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Points/G: 70.4
  • Field Goal %: 41.7
  • 3-Point %: 33.2
  • Free Throw %: 67.8
  • Rebounds/G: 36.7
Defense:
  • Points/G: 66.2
  • Field Goal %: 44.2
  • 3-Point %: 32.8
  • Free Throw %: 69.2
  • Rebounds/G: 31.6

Why #4 Michigan Wolverines are a good bet ATS?

Is Michigan a safe NCAAB betting pick for Thursday night?

The 13-0 Michigan Wolverines already have big wins over some quality opponents. Michigan has already beaten Northwestern, Georgetown, North Carolina, Providence, Purdue, and Villanova.

Because Michigan has beaten such big teams, they’ve faced some tough spreads. They haven’t always covered, but against Penn State, they should. Michigan’s too good for the Nittany Lions to hang with.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Points/G: 73.2
  • Field Goal %: 46.7
  • 3-Point %: 37.7
  • Free Throw %: 65.1
  • Rebounds/G: 37.5
Defense:
  • Points/G: 55.1
  • Field Goal %: 38.4
  • 3-Point %: 31.1
  • Free Throw %: 62.8
  • Rebounds/G: 28.8

NCAAB Betting Trends for Penn State vs Michigan 

  • Penn State is 2-5 ATS in the last 7 games
  • Penn State is 12-6 SU in the last 18 games
  • The total went UNDER in 9 of Penn State’s last 12 games
  • Michigan is 0-5 ATS in the last 5 games
  • Michigan is 5-0 SU in the last 5 games
  • The total went UNDER in 5 of Michigan’s last 6 games

Penn State vs Michigan Final NCAAB Betting Analysis

Michigan’s a terrific 9-0 at home. They’re only 2-7 against the spread, though. One of the reasons the Wolverines have had such difficulty covering is because they’re undefeated. Odds makers and sports bettors back the Wolverines more now than they did when the season started.

are the Wolverines worth backing even though they face a crazy spread? The answer is yes. Michigan is 0-5 ATS in their last 5, but Penn State is 0-3 ATS in their 3 away games. Not only that, the Wolverines should step up their play since Penn State is their first home game this season versus a Big Ten rival. Michigan wins and covers.

NCAAB Betting Pick: Michigan ATS