
Penn State and Michigan will battle in Minnesota tonight in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. Penn State has improved since the start of the season, while the Michigan Wolverines have struggled and have been at the bottom of the Big Ten Standings most of the season.
These odds were updated at 9 am EST on 03/13/24; the odds came from Draft Kings.
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Michigan may possess talent, yet have been one of the worst Power 5/6 teams this season. DePaul might have been worse, and there may have been other factors beyond just lack of talent for Michigan. Juwan Howard may soon be no longer but could receive another year due to health and alumni status; Penn State should make an impactful statement next season once Rhoades acquires more players; Baldwin Jr will likely make or break their chances at competing successfully in this Tournament.
Penn State is the better team; more importantly, they play hard. The Nittany Lions have gotten better throughout the season, and Michigan tends to play hard for about ten minutes. Take the Nittany Lions.
If you like Penn State, the money line is the better value; as for Michigan, you do get good odds, and if you want to take a risk, have at it. But I have a hard time seeing them winning straight up. If you are betting Michigan, take the points.
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Chicago Bulls fans should celebrate as the Over has hit in two straight games and is 33-29-1 overall this season.
Last time out for the Clippers at Houston and in their recent home game versus Washington Wizards (140-115) March 1st, both games went over.
Two of the last three meetings between these teams have seen the over be hit, and in eight out of nine it has occurred.
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The spread gives us value betting on Penn State -6.5; this line should be at 8 or 9 in Penn State’s favor.
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Ace Baldwin to score 15+ points
Dug McDaniel to score 15+ points(-108)
Qudus Wahbib 8+ Rebounds(-106)
Nikola Vucevic Points: 18.5 (over odds: -120)
Ace Baldwin was the player of the game in the first game between these two teams, scoring 25 points to lead the Nittany Lions to a 79-73 victory. Terrance Williams scored 25 for the losing Wolverines and Dug McDaniel added 11 points. The game was played at the start of January, since then the Wolverines have progressively gotten worde.
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I think that Penn State has almost every advantage in this game, and I expect the Wolverines to give up in the second half, as Ace Baldwin will have a big game. Penn State 77Β Michigan 64
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