Check out our free Michigan vs Penn State pick and preview for this NCAA Basketball game in University Park. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this College Basketball matchup.

Michigan vs Penn State Pick & Preview: Sunday, January 29th Betting Odds

Wolverines vs Nittany Lions Matchup at a Glance

  • Sport: NCAAB
  • Teams: Michigan Wolverines at Penn State Nittany Lions
  • Where: University Park at Bryce Jordan Center
  • Date: Sunday, January 29th
  • Betting Odds: Michigan +3.5, MICH +140 | PENNST -174 O/U 140.5

Wolverines Preview:

The Michigan Wolverines head into today’s game in what will be their 21st game of the season, posting a record of 11-9. On the road, the Wolverines will be playing their 9th game of the season, having gone 3-6. So far, the Wolverines have been the underdog 7 times, going 0-7 straight up. Heading into today’s contest, they are the +3.5 underdogs on the spread.

Hunter Dickinson comes into today’s game as the Wolverines’ leading scorer at 18.25 points per contest. Not only has Dickinson been key to the team’s scoring efforts, but he is Michigan’s top rebounder at 8.85 boards per contest. Before getting a bet down on this game, we recommend keeping close watch on the availability of Jett Howard, as he is currently listed as questionable. If he can’t play, the Wolverines’ will be without their 2nd leading scorer at Jett Howard points per game.

On offense, Michigan is scoring a rate similar to the NCAA average at 73.0 points per game. This figure has come despite struggling to knock down shots from outside. Through 20 games, they have only hit 34.0% of their 3-point field goal attempts. For the season, 32.33% of their shots have come from beyond the arc.

Nittany Lions Preview:

Penn State heads into this matchup having played 20 games and have an overall record sitting at 13-7. Currently, the Nittany Lions have been the home team 13 times, sitting with a record of 11-2. The Nittany Lions’ are sitting with a betting line that is -3.5 points in their favor. For the season, Penn State has been favored to win in 13 games, sitting with a mark of 12-1.

Jalen Pickett comes into today’s game as the Nittany Lions’ leading scorer at 17.25 points per contest. Not only has Pickett been key to the team’s scoring efforts, but he is Penn State’s top rebounder at 7.95 boards per contest. Behind Pickett, the team has benefited from the strong play of Seth Lundy, who is second on the team in scoring at 13.74 points per game. Overall, he has hit 47.5% of his shots and is adding 5.95 boards per game.

Offensive production has been hard to come by for Penn State this season, as they are currently ranked 391st in college basketball at 64.6 points per game. A major reason for low scoring totals is the fact that they have played at a below average pace, and have struggled to knock down outside shots. As a team, the Nittany Lions’ 3-point shooting percentage sits at just 34.2%, placing them 237th in the NCAA.

Free Spread Prediction: Penn State Nittany Lions -3.5

Heading into this matchup, our NCAA betting model has identified this game as a profitable opportunity and recommends taking the Penn State Nittany Lions to pick up the win and cover the spread as -3.5 point betting favorites. Although Penn State as a team is just 278th in overall shooting percentage, we see their offense putting together a strong performance against the Wolverines’ defense. In addition, the Nittany Lions have made bettors money who have taken them to cover at home, as they are 7-3 (last 10). At -3.5 we see there being plenty of value in grabbing the Nittany Lions to come out on top and cover.