2012 NIT Betting?
Washington Huskies (24-10) vs Minnesota Golden Gophers (22-14)
Tuesday March 27
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
9:00PM
Moneyline: Washington -120, Minnesota +100
Spread: Washington -1
O/U: 143.5
Washington
The Washington Huskies may have been frustrating all season long, playing themselves out of the NCAA Tournament but they appear to be reasonably focused in the NIT with two double digit victories and a close escape against the rival Oregon Ducks.
Now they travel to MSG where they will have a significant talent advantage over Minnesota. I was surprised to see this number at just -1. I say pounce.
Hard to know whether wing Terrence Ross will return to campus or not but either way he is making a nice push with an average of 26ppg in the post-season.
Now he has a chance to shine on the New York stage alongside guard Tony Wroten who snapped out of a funk against Oregon.
This duo is likely more than the Gophers can handle provided the rest of the squad plays at an expected level.
They don’t have to play great to win.
Minnesota
The Golden Gophers got some recent good news when Trevor Mbakwe was granted a 6th year of eligibility…but it won’t help them against the Huskies.
Tony Wroten snapped out of a funk against Oregon.
The Big Ten was very strong this year and Minnesota fought hard, especially in the tournament where their win against Northwestern and loss to Michigan were in overtime.
Their success in the NIT has been impressive too as they easily could have lost to opponents LaSalle, Miami and Middle Tennessee State, in fact they were underdogs in all three.
Minnesota finished all the way down in 9th place in the Big Ten because nobody really stepped up in Mbakwe absence.
A primary culprit was center Ralph Sampson who has height and pedigree but nearly no production.
He averaged just 4 rebounds per game and has been out of the lineup since early March.
He is expected to return Tuesday night but it is arguable whether that is a good or bad thing at this point, Athletic forward Rodney Williams is hot right now with 4 straight 20 plus point performances.
Trends – Washington
WGTON are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 Tue. games.
Over is 7-3 in WGTON last 10 non-conference games.
Under is 13-6 in WGTON last 19 overall.
Minnesota:
MIN are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 Tue. games.
Spread Pick: Washington -1
O/U Pick: Under
Score Prediction: Washington 76 – Minnesota 64