Minnesota at Michigan Breakdown & Prediction

Minnesota at No. 16 Michigan

Time: 6PM ET

Venue: Crisler Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records:  Minnesota 18-11, 7-9 Big Ten; Michigan 20-7, 12-3

Minnesota stat leaders: Points – Andre Hollins (14.8 ppg); Rebounds – Elliott Eliason (7.1 rpg); Assists – Deandre Mathieu (4.3 apg); Steals – Austin Hollins (1.9 spg).

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Nik Stauskas (16.9 ppg); Rebounds – Jon Horford/Caris LeVert (4.5 rpg); Assists – Stauskas (3.5 apg); Steals – Caris LeVert (1.1 spg).

Current Streaks: Minnesota W1, Michigan W2

Point Spread: Michigan -9

Prediction: Michigan got a pretty good scare this week at Purdue, but the Wolverines are back at the comforts of Crisler Center for this game. Minnesota is capable of winning this game, but the Gophers are so inconsistent and coming off a big win over Iowa, I don’t see them stringing together another strong performance today. One big question entering this game is what will the game-winning shot for Glenn Robinson III do for his confidence going forward. Will that finally be the shot that flips the switch for the sophomore? If Robinson is able to elevate his game and use the talents he has, Michigan’s potential could be limitless. With or without a strong Robinson, the Wolverines should be able to handle Minnesota today. Michigan 74, Minnesota 62

Minnesota at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Minnesota at No. 5 Michigan State

Time: 2:15PM ET

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Minnesota 13-3, 2-1 Big Ten; Michigan State 14-1, 3-0 Big Ten

Minnesota stat leaders: Points – Andre Hollins (15.8 ppg); Rebounds – Elliott Eliason (8.5 rpg); Assists – Deandre Mathieu (4.4 apg); Steals – Mathieu (2.0 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (17.8 ppg); Rebounds – Branden Dawson (8.6 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.7 apg); Steals – Harris (1.8 spg).

Current Streaks: Minnesota W2, Michigan State W7

Point Spread: Michigan State -11

Prediction: Michigan State is a little banged up coming into the game, but the way the Spartans finished against Ohio State should serve as motivation for a good performance against the Gophers at home. Minnesota has had all three conference games decided by three points, but I don’t expect that to be the case on Saturday. Minnesota will not defend MSU as well as Ohio State did, especially against Gary Harris. Look for Harris to have a big game to rebound for his quiet performance against the Buckeyes. He will lead the Spartans to a comfortable win. Michigan State 76, Minnesota 65

Michigan at Minnesota Breakdown & Prediction

Michigan at Minnesota

Time: 7PM ET

Venue: Williams Arena

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Michigan 8-4, 0-0 Big Ten; Minnesota 11-2, 0-0 Big Ten

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Nik Stauskas (18.2 ppg); Rebounds – Glenn Robinson III (5.0 rpg); Assists – Stauskas (3.3 apg); Steals – Robinson III (1.3 spg).

Minnesota stat leaders: Points – Andre Hollins (16.2 ppg); Rebounds – Elliott Eliason (8.2 rpg); Assists – Deandre Mathieu (4.8 apg); Steals – Mathieu (2.1 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan W2, Minnesota W6

Point Spread: Minnesota -2.5

Prediction: Michigan has a pretty good challenge on the road to start conference play. The Wolverines, who are still without Mitch McGary, are facing an athletic team that has some big bodies to content with on the glass. If Michigan can shoot the ball well on the perimeter, it can win. However, relying on that is never a good thing. Minnesota has its own talented guards and Andre and Austin Hollins and Deandre Mathieu is a strong defender. I think the Wolverines have their hands full in this game and Minnesota will be carried to the win at home due to better shooting, and control of the glass. Minnesota 81, Michigan 72