No. 19 Michigan Wolverines at Arkansas Razorbacks
Saturday, 1/21/12, 2:00 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: Arkansas PK
Current Betting Line: Arkansas PK
Opening Total: 136.5
Current Total: 136.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Michigan takes a break from Big Ten Conference play and will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks inside Bud Walton Arena Saturday. The Wolverines are coming off an emotional 60-59 win over the Michigan State Spartans as two-point home underdogs, improving to 5-2 in conference play and 12-0 at home. “My job is to be a better coach every day and get these guys to be better players every day,” commented Wolverines head coach John Beilein. Michigan is 7-1 in its last eight Saturday games.
The Wolverines currently have two players averaging double figures in scoring, with Tim Hardaway Jr. leading the way in averaging 15.4 points per game. Guard Trey Burke is another player to watch on the perimeter, as he’s second among Big Ten freshman in scoring 14.6 points per game. Over his last seven games, he has 40 assists and just 16 turnovers. It’s important to note that the program will come into this affair with a dismal 1-3 mark on the road.
Arkansas is coming off a loss at Kentucky Tuesday night and has alternated wins and losses over its last four games. The Razorbacks have won 11 straight in Fayetteville, but nobody within the program is taking Saturday’s opponent lightly. “It’s an out-of-conference game, but it’s a big one,” commented Razorbacks head coach Mike Anderson. “We’re playing against a ranked opponent, a very good team.” Offensively, the team has one starter averaging double figures in points, with sophomore Mardracus Wade pouring in 11.1 points per game. Arkansas is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games.
The Razorbacks are outscoring their opponents by 9.4 points per game, as they enter with a 17-19 record against current Big Ten Conference teams. Arkansas has had success against ranked teams, posting an 82-116 record. The program will enter with a 21-game non-conference win streak when hosting teams inside Bud Walton Arena, while going 250-62 all-time inside the building. Wade will need to knock some shots down on the perimeter, ranking first in the Southeastern Conference in three-point accuracy.
Bettors will likely back the Razorbacks due to their 5-2 ATS mark following a loss of 20-plus points, while the Wolverines are 2-5 ATS following a spread win.
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