The Northern Illinois Huskies (6-4) and their great offense head to Northern Kentucky to play the Norse (9-3) and their exceptional defense. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 20, 2018.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Northern Kentucky Norse ATS Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Norse defeated the Wilmington (OH) Quakers 102-38, while the Huskies beat the Rockford University Regents 93-54.
Northern Illinois dominated every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.233 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0. Rockford University recorded marks of 0.117 and 23.7, respectively, for those same stats. The Norse, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (60.0 vs. 21.3) and had a much better free throw rate (0.323 vs. 0.121). Jalen Tate played well for Northern Kentucky with 17 points and eight rebounds. Levi Bradley played well for Northern Illinois, recording 11 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, McDonald led the Norse to an 88-85 victory. He notched a double-double with 28 points and 14 rebounds. Northern Kentucky was lights out from beyond the arc (14-33; 42.4 percent). Northern Illinois, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.3 vs. 18.4).
Drew McDonald has taken his game to another level as of late for Northern Kentucky, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Northern Kentucky figures to have a significant advantage. The sharp-shooting Norse offense ranks 29th in the country in that metric at 0.562, while the bottom-tier Northern Illinois defense is ranked 319th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.543).
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Northern Kentucky Norse Free Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Northern Kentucky ranks 47th in three pointers attempted per game (26.3) while Northern Illinois ranks 243rd (18.0).
- The Huskies rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (28.9) while the Norse rank 105th (34.4).
- Northern Kentucky is 36th in the nation with 5.4 steals allowed per game while Northern Illinois is 40th with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
- The Norse rank 30th in assists per game (16.4) while the Huskies rank 218th in assists allowed per game (16.2).
- Northern Illinois ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (1.8) while Northern Kentucky ranks 109th (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 7.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Norse have scored an average of 85.0 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 57.0 points per game (8.4 below their season average).
