It will be a meeting between two tremendous defenses when the Ball State Cardinals (13-10, 6-4 MAC) meet the Northern Illinois Huskies (15-9, 8-3 MAC) at John E. Worthen Arena. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Ball State Cardinals Betting Odds
In their last game, the Cardinals lost to the Western Michigan Broncos, 68-64, while the Huskies barely escaped the Kent State Golden Flashes, 57-54.
The Huskies forced 15 turnovers and held the Golden Flashes to an effective field goal percentage of 0.429 (below their season average of 0.524). Ball State, meanwhile, forced Western Michigan into a turnover percentage of 21.6 (above their season average of 15.3). Tahjai Teague was a key piece for Ball State with 13 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois was led by Eugene German, who finished with 27 points and six rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Huskies won the last contest 64-57. The Huskies’ 6.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Cardinals, who had a mark of 22.3. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Ball State should have a noteworthy advantage. The Cardinals defense ranks 48th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.458), while the Northern Illinois offense is ranked 294th in effective field goal percentage (0.475).
Northern Illinois Huskies at Ball State Cardinals Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 23rd in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while Northern Illinois ranks 242nd in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
- The Cardinals rank 46th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Huskies rank 104th (3.3).
- Northern Illinois ranks 29th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Ball State ranks 76th (5.9).
- The Cardinals rank 101st in assists per game (13.9) while the Huskies rank 253rd (10.4).
- Northern Illinois averages 39.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 27th in the country. Ball State ranks 151st in rebounds allowed per game (35.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 63.6 points per game (6.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.8 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 3.4 for the season.
