Get key betting insights for Minnesota vs Rutgers on March 9, including odds, analysis, and the best pick for this Big Ten matchup.
Game Details
Minnesota Golden Gophers (15-15 SU, 10-18-2 ATS) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (14-16 SU, 14-15-1 ATS)
Big Ten Basketball
Date/Time: March 9, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Jersey Mike's Arena – Piscataway, NJ
TV: Big Ten Network
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Rutgers -5.5 (-110) / Minnesota +5.5 (-110)
Money Line: Rutgers -235 / Minnesota +190
Over/Under Total: 143.5 (o -105 / u -115)
Game Overview
Minnesota and Rutgers square off in a Big Ten clash with both teams looking to finish the regular season on a positive note. Minnesota comes in at .500 on the season, but their 10-18-2 ATS record reflects how poorly they've performed against the number. Rutgers, meanwhile, has been slightly more reliable for bettors at 14-15-1 ATS, but they’ve struggled at home recently, going just 3-8 SU in their last 11 at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Minnesota won the last matchup on February 18, taking down Rutgers 81-70 as a 5.5-point favorite. The Gophers have won five of the last six meetings, including a narrow 75-74 victory last March. However, Rutgers is still the betting favorite in this spot due to their stronger home-court presence and defensive edge.
Key Matchups and Analysis
Minnesota’s Offense vs Rutgers’ Defense
- Minnesota’s offense ranks 318th in points per game (68.2) — far below the league average of 73.2 PPG.
- Rutgers' defense has been shaky, allowing 77.3 PPG — 318th nationally.
- Minnesota shoots just 44.4% from the field (205th), but Rutgers is even worse at defending the shot, allowing opponents to shoot 46.2% (312th).
Rutgers' Offense vs Minnesota's Defense
- Rutgers struggles to score early, averaging just 29.7 first-half points (340th) — worst in the Big Ten.
- Minnesota allows 37.2 first-half points (5th) — giving them a significant edge in early-game defense.
- Rutgers' rebounding advantage could play a key role — they average 32.4 rebounds per game to Minnesota's 30.1.
Pace and Turnover Battle
- Minnesota protects the ball well, averaging just 10.6 turnovers per game (70th).
- Rutgers' defense generates an average of 5.7 steals per game — but they're not overly aggressive.
- Slow tempo from both teams could keep the scoring down.
Trends and Situational Angles
- Minnesota is 6-4 SU and 5-5 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head matchups.
- The Over has hit in 7 of the last 10 meetings between these teams.
- Rutgers has struggled at home recently, going 3-8 SU in their last 11 home games.
- Minnesota is 5-4 SU on the road this season — better than expected for a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten team.
Betting Pick and Prediction
Both teams have struggled to put up consistent offense, and Rutgers comes into this one off a demoralizing blowout loss to Purdue after a heartbreaker against Michigan. Minnesota has been more consistent in head-to-head matchups and tends to control the pace with solid defense early. Rutgers' offensive inconsistency — particularly in the first half — should keep this one low-scoring.
💡 Best Bet: Take the UNDER 143.5 — both teams' scoring struggles and pace of play point to a defensive battle.
📉 Prediction: Rutgers 68, Minnesota 64
