Minnesota vs. Penn State Prediction and Odds for Big 10 First Round (Back Nittany Lions To Move On)

The Minnesota Golden Gophers and Penn State Nittany Lions are set to do battle tonight in Big Ten Tournament Action. These do represent two of the weaker teams in the Big Ten, but that doesn't mean this game will be a stinker. Yes, these two teams combined to go 0-7 down the home stretch, but at least they match up well against each other.

The Lions have the edge in conference play with a 7-13 record while the Gophers finished a terrible 4-16 in the Big Ten. The Pair split games this season with the home team winning both times. Here are the odds for this Big Ten Tournament clash, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Minnesota vs. Penn State Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Minnesota +3.5 (-110)
• Penn State -3.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Minnesota +145
• Penn State -175

Total: 125.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Minnesota vs. Penn State Prediction and Pick

Which of these two bad teams has the edge tonight? Tough to call. Yet I will say that I think PSU is a bit better than their 12-16 record indicates. They have recent wins over Michigan State and Iowa under their belts. Also, they handily beat Minnesota, 67-46 just a few weeks ago. That game really stands out as an indicator as to where these two teams stack up. Minnesota beat PSU a couple of games prior by six points but was absolutely stampeded in the next game. The PSU loss felt like a letdown while their crushing win proved that the Gophers' victory was a fluke.

The Lions rank 60th in defensive efficiency at KenPom and are keeping opponents just around 41% shooting. They are even more effective on the perimeter. This will be a huge issue for a Minnesota team that does a lot of work from behind the arc. Over 35% of their points are from the three-point range in fact. I dislike betting on teams that I consider one-dimensional and this is a prime example. All PSU has to do is limit those threes and they should cruise to a win here. 

Pick: Penn State -3.5 (-110)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE