Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/24/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/24/26

MINNESOTA @ MICHIGAN (MICH -22.5, 145.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

GOLDEN GOPHERS @ WOLVERINES 2/24/26

The Big Ten is heating up as the Minnesota Golden Gophers head into Ann Arbor to take on the #1 ranked Michigan Wolverines tonight. Michigan is currently listed as a massive 22.5-point favorite, but with the Wolverines coming off a tough top-five battle and Minnesota fresh off a dominant win over Rutgers, there's plenty to break down.

The #1-ranked Michigan Wolverines (25-2, 15-1 Big Ten) return to the Crisler Center tomorrow night looking to clinch a share of the Big Ten regular-season title. They face a Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-14, 6-10 Big Ten) squad that, while under .500, has proven to be a dangerous spoiler team with recent upsets over Michigan State and Iowa. Michigan is coming off a rare non-conference loss to Duke, while Minnesota is riding high after a dominant 80-61 victory over Rutgers.

Michigan is a massive favorite for a reason. After a frustrating loss to Duke, the Wolverines are in a get right spot at home where they have won five straight. Statistically, this is a nightmare matchup for Minnesota. Michigan ranks 2nd nationally in field goal percentage defense (37.4%) and 1st in two-point defense (39.5%). Minnesota relies heavily on Cade Tyson (19.5 PPG), but Michigan’s length—led by Aday Mara (2.7 BPG) and Yaxel Lendeborg—makes scoring inside nearly impossible.

Michigan has covered in 4 of their last 6 games. They recently dismantled UCLA by 30 points and Ohio State by 21. Minnesota did cover against Rutgers, but they have massive road splits. They rank 303rd in points per possession allowed away from home compared to 35th at home, allowing 22.1 more points per 100 possessions on the road.

Michigan can clinch a share of the Big Ten title with a win. Expect a focused, high-intensity performance from a team that ranks 4th in the nation in assists (19.4 APG). Michigan plays at a rapid pace (4th in Adjusted Tempo). Minnesota is one of the slowest teams in the country, ranking 348th in Adjusted Tempo and 353rd in possessions per game. In a game where Michigan is expected to lead comfortably, they may take their foot off the gas late, and Minnesota’s inability to score against elite defenses will likely have an effect on the total.

Minnesota’s offense ranks 292nd in scoring. In their last 10 games, the Under has hit 6 times. Michigan's defense ranks 1st in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They held Duke to 68 points and UCLA to 56. The only way Minnesota stays competitive is slowing the game to a crawl.

Michigan is 12-1 at home this season and holds a 97% win probability according to analytical projections. Minnesota has only two road wins all season (2-7) and lacks the depth to compete with a Michigan roster featuring five players averaging near double figures.

Yaxel Lendeborg is coming off a 21-point, 7-rebound performance against Duke. He is the engine of this offense and should dominate a Minnesota frontcourt that struggles with elite athleticism.

Tyson is the only Gopher averaging over 14 PPG. If Michigan’s elite perimeter defense (29.2% 3PT allowed) neutralizes him, Minnesota has no secondary scoring option to keep up with Michigan's 89.6 PPG average.

Michigan ranks 7th in the nation in scoring (89.6 PPG) and 8th in field goal percentage (51.0%). They have scored 85+ points in 4 of their last 6 games. Michigan likes to play fast too, averaging 75 possessions per game. At home, the Wolverines average nearly 92 points per game. Minnesota allows an average of 74.8 points per game on the road. 

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FREE PICK: MICHIGAN TEAM TOTAL OVER 83.5

Michigan has gone Over this team total in 18 of its 27 games this season. The Wolverines average 89.6 points per game. Michigan plays even better at home where they average 94.3 ppg. They are coming off a loss to Duke and then they’ll play three of the best - Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan State - to close the season. This is the warm up. Michigan has covered this team total in 11 of 13 home games. The only thing that prevents this is Minnesota does play good defense (67.7 ppg) mostly because they play at a snail’s pace. The Gophers rank 352nd in possessions per game. However, home teams typically dictate tempo and Michigan ranks 20th in that category.

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