Yale Bulldogs Face Off Against Minnesota Golden Gophers in Saturday’s NCAA Basketball Matchup

The Yale Bulldogs are set to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a college basketball matchup on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. The game is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, with online streaming available via fuboTV.

Yale, with a record of 2-2, is coming off a dominant 100-46 win over Emerson, which followed losses to UIC and Purdue. The Bulldogs are averaging 87.8 points per game, led by John Poulakidas with 20.3 points per game and Bez Mbeng with 15 points per game. Yale’s offense is strong, but their defense has been a concern, allowing an average of 72.8 points per game.

Minnesota, with a record of 2-1, is looking to bounce back from a 54-51 loss to North Texas. The Golden Gophers have a stout defense, allowing only 58.3 points per game, which ranks 30th in the nation. Dawson Garcia is the key player for Minnesota, averaging 26.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Minnesota’s offense, however, has been less potent, averaging just 66.3 points per game.

Predictions favor Minnesota, with Dimers‘ college basketball model giving the Golden Gophers a 66% chance of winning. The predicted final score is Minnesota 70, Yale 66. The game’s over/under is set at 138.5 points, with a slight lean towards the under given Minnesota’s defensive prowess and methodical offense.

The game promises to be a test of Yale’s high-scoring offense against Minnesota’s robust defense. Yale will need to improve its defensive performance to stand a chance against the Golden Gophers, who have a strong home record and are favored by 4.5 points.