The Northern Illinois Huskies (12-16, 5-10 MAC) will travel to Convocation Center to take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles (17-11, 8-7 MAC) in their home finale. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Eastern Michigan Eagles ATS Preview
In the Huskies last matchup, they lost to the Ball State Cardinals, 77-68. With 25 points on 10-for-18 shooting, Eugene German was the top scorer from either team. Ball State had a turnover percentage of 8.9 (better than their season average of 16.5). Northern Illinois, on the other hand, held the Cardinals to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.6 (below their season average of 27.8).
The Eagles come in on a high note after beating the Toledo Rockets in their last contest, 85-79. Eastern Michigan was lifted by Paul Jackson, who put up 18 points and 10 assists. Eastern Michigan dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 8.2 (better than their season average of 17.2) and a free throw rate of 0.197 (matching their season average). Toledo had marks of 10.5 and 0.183, respectively, for those same stats.
Eastern Michigan appears to have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles rank 53rd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.480), while Northern Illinois is 179th in effective field goal percentage (0.513).
Both teams have had a player heat up over their last five games. For the Huskies, it’s been German, who has averaged 24.4 points and 5.6 rebounds, while the Eagles have received great contributions from Elijah Minnie (18.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 2.2 steals).
These teams have already met once this season. The Huskies won 72-66. The Huskies dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1 and a turnover percentage of 12.9. The Eagles put up marks of 29.0 and 15.2, respectively, for those same stats. German was the games leading scorer with 26 points.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Eastern Michigan Eagles Free Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Eagles rank 244th in three pointers attempted per game (19.1) while the Huskies rank 297th (16.3).
- Eastern Michigan ranks 157th in rebounds per game (35.3) while Northern Illinois ranks 161st in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
- Eastern Michigan ranks fifth in blocks per game (6.3) while Northern Illinois ranks 217th (2.0).
- The Huskies rank 11th in steals allowed per game (4.6) while the Eagles rank 179th (7.1).
- Eastern Michigan ranks 181st in assists per game (12.9) while Northern Illinois ranks 272nd (9.8).
Betting Trends:
- The Eagles average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 3.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
