There's value on the Under on a number that has climbed a couple points north from the opener. Both clubs are capable of playing at either tempo, but we should see more of low-scoring grinder Thursday. Minnesota doesn't shoot well from the outside and its big men don't finish well in traffic. They will be disrupted by Louisville's swarming defense. The Cardinals might prefer the faster pace but they are limited in their half-court offense. Look for plenty of clock-eating possessions that send this one Under the total.

Minnesota is 6-1 on neutral courts. Before losing to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, the Gophers beat Penn State, and hadn't been blown out by double figures in six weeks. I think they keep it close.

We know the story line of Richard Pitino against his father's old team, as well as Richard being an assistant at Louisville before becoming a head coach. Minnesota has gone under in nine of its last 13 games and Louisville is under in seven of their its nine games. Louisville's defense ranks No. 19 in the country and both teams struggle shooting the three ball.

I wasn't very impressed with Minnesota as they lost eight of their last 13 games and got crushed by Michigan. My simulations make Louisville -6 favorites and they might be giving Minnesota too much credit.

The Cardinals are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games versus the Big Ten, and I see t them covering the spread in more than 60 percent of simulations. Minnesota has lost eight of its past 13 games and just got humiliated by Michigan in the Big Ten tourney. Lay the points.