BIG TEN FIRST ROUND -- The Golden Gophers are coming off a 32-point victory over Nebraska in their regular-season finale. They also took both meetings with the Wildcats this campaign, winning by nine and 26 points. Expect another big victory here.

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND -- Both Northwestern and Minnesota are playing out the season. Northwestern has won two of its last three games and has a 9-4 ATS record away from home. Minnesota won only four of its 20 conference games by more than nine points however two of those four wins came at the expense of the Wildcats. Northwestern is looking for revenge, and I think Minnesota could come in a little overconfident after beating Nebraska 107-75. The Gophers might also be looking to conserve some energy for Thursday. Take the points.

BIG TEN FIRST ROUND -- The Golden Gophers whacked the Wildcats the last time they met. My biggest concern with Minnesota is, with so many close losses and no chance of making the NCAA Tournament, what is the team playing for? Northwestern just beat up Penn State, and this is as confident as it has been as season. Way, way too many points here.

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND -- I fully admit that I've been a bit too bullish on the Gophers this season at times, but I like them a lot in this spot. This team might be 14-16 overall, but it's ranked No. 29 by KenPom for a reason. It's not as bad as it looks! Northwestern is! The Gophers have gone 10-4 ATS this season when favored, and I fully expect that mark to improve to 11-4 after this one.