The Northern Illinois Huskies (7-6) will be at Alumni Arena to take on the Buffalo Bulls (9-4) in a MAC matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Buffalo Bulls ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Bulls defeated the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, 84-79, while the Huskies lost a close one to the Green Bay Phoenix, 85-84.
Buffalo played a nearly perfect contest. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.383 (above their season average of 0.167) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 36.3). St. Bonaventure was 0.091 and 35.6, respectively, for those same stats. Northern Illinois, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 8.5 (better than their season average of 16.8). Jayvon Graves played well for Buffalo with 28 points and five rebounds. Trendon Hankerson, meanwhile led the way for Northern Illinois, recording 18 points and five assists.
The Huskies won the only contest between these two teams last year, 77-75. Northern Illinois’ effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Buffalo. The Huskies had a rate of 0.537 while the Bulls posted a mark of 0.442. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This game should be a showdown of conflicting styles. Buffalo prefers a fast-breaking style of play (23rd in possessions per game), while Northern Illinois likes to grind-it-out (270th in possessions per game).
Northern Illinois Huskies at Buffalo Bulls Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo ranks 10th in assists per game (17.5) while Northern Illinois ranks 214th (10.5).
- The Bulls rank 21st in steals per game (9.2) while the Huskies rank 162nd (5.7).
- Northern Illinois blocks 3.0 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 118th in the country. Buffalo ranks 146th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
- The Huskies average 40.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 39th in the nation. The Bulls rank 215th in rebounds allowed per game (38.0).
- Buffalo averages 27.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 29th in the country. Northern Illinois ranks 199th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 63.0 points per game (5.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
- The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 4.6 for the season.
