A seven-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Ohio Bobcats (8-4) when they go head-to-head against the Northern Illinois Huskies (7-6) at Convocation Center. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Ohio Bobcats ATS Odds
Both teams blew out their last opponent. The Bobcats defeated the Wilberforce Bulldogs 97-61, 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. For those same stats, Rockford University recorded marks of 0.117 and 23.7, respectively. Ohio, on the other hand, dominated every stat category in their game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 55.8 and a free throw rate of 0.163. For those same stats, Wilberforce put up marks of 15.8 and 0.097, respectively. Ohio was led by Jason Carter, who contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds. Levi Bradley, meanwhile played a key role for Northern Illinois with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bobcats won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 78-68. Ohio did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (17-22; 77.3 percent). Northern Illinois, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (14.1 vs. 23.4). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Contrasting paces will be on display in this battle. Ohio has preferred a fast-paced style of play (35th in possessions per game), while Northern Illinois has been more half-court-oriented (180th in possessions per game).
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Ohio Bobcats Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio, ATS Winner – Ohio, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Northern Illinois ranks 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Ohio ranks 184th (9.6).
- The Bobcats are 12th in the NCAA with 2.1 blocks allowed per game while the Huskies are 20th with 2.3 blocks allowed per game.
- Northern Illinois ranks 225th in three pointers attempted per game (19.5) while Ohio ranks 227th (19.3).
- The Bobcats average 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 78th in the nation. The Huskies rank 212th in assists allowed per game (16.0).
- Ohio ranks 24th in rebounds per game (40.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 141st (36.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 6.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bobcats have scored an average of 73.0 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
