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Minnesota vs. Penn State Prediction and Odds (Expect Another Close Game)

By Iain MacMillan

Penn State and Minnesota are set to face-off for the second time in a week.
Penn State and Minnesota are set to face-off for the second time in a week. / Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
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Minnesota and Penn State are set to face-off in a Thursday afternoon Big Ten showdown. As an appetizer for the night slate, the Golden Gophers and Nittany Lions will tip-off at 4pm et the Bryce Jordan Center.

These two teams played each other just five days ago. Minnesota walked away with the 76-70 win at home, but will things change now that Penn State will be playing on their own court?

Let's take a look at the odds for the game via WynnBET Sportsbook.

Minnesota vs. Penn State Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Minnesota +5.5 (-110)
  • Penn State -5.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Minnesota +190
  • Penn State -230

Total:

  • 128 (Over -110/Under -110)

Minnesota vs. Penn State Betting Trends

  • The UNDER is 4-2 in Minnesota's last six games.
  • Minnesota is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games played in February.
  • Penn State is 4-1 ATS in its last five games.
  • The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings between these teams.
  • Penn State is 7-0 ATS in its last seven home games.

Minnesota vs. Penn State Prediction and Pick

These two teams are extremely similar in several categories, and I don't see any reason why you shouldn't back Minnesota as 6-point underdogs.

Minnesota ranks 132nd in effective field goal percentage, and Penn State is right behind them ranking 163rd. The two teams also rank 197th and 228th in defensive efficiency.

While I wouldn't look at a one game sample size as evidence, I think the last game between these two teams perfectly illustrates how they match up with each other. They both put up similar shooting numbers, but Penn State had a massive rebounding advantage, out rebounding Minnesota 36-21. However, that was balanced out by turnovers, of which Penn State committed 13 and Minnesota only committed three.

I wouldn't feel comfortable taking Minnesota to beat them again, but I think this game is much closer than six points.

Lean: Minnesota +6 (-110)

Iain is 65-58-2 (+3.45 units) with his college basketball bets this 2021-22 season. You can find his detailed record for the 2022 calendar year here.

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