The Northeastern Huskies (5-4) will be at home in Matthews Arena when they take on the Vermont Catamounts (6-3). Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017.
Vermont Catamounts at Northeastern Huskies Free Preview
The last time the Catamounts played, they were beaten by the Marquette Golden Eagles, 91-81. With 20 points on 7-for-8 shooting, Stef Smith led Vermont in scoring. Marquette had a better turnover percentage (13.0 vs. 16.4). Vermont, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (28.1 vs. 25.0).
The Huskies will look to maintain momentum after blowing out the Bucknell Bison in their last matchup, 82-64. Northeastern rallied around Vasa Pusica, who was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting. The Huskies held the Bison to an offensive rebounding percentage of 6.5 (below their season average of 26.3) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.597 (above their season average of 0.534).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Northeastern ranks 277th in possessions per game (67.5) and Vermont is 266th (65.4) dating back to the 2016-17 season. Furthermore, the Catamounts, who rank 303rd in offensive rebounding percentage (29.3 percent), will face off against the Huskies, who rank 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (73.6 percent).
The Huskies won the only game against the Catamounts last season, 59-57. The Huskies played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 and a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.563. The Catamounts recorded marks of 20.0 and 0.456, respectively, for those same stats.
Vermont Catamounts at Northeastern Huskies ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Northeastern, ATS Winner – Northeastern, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Huskies are third in the nation with 3.2 blocks allowed per game while the Catamounts are 29th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
- Vermont is 15th in the NCAA with 30.5 rebounds allowed per game while Northeastern is 31st with 33.5 rebounds allowed per game.
- Northeastern ranks 34th in assists allowed per game (13.1) while Vermont ranks 237th (11.2).
- The Huskies rank 95th in steals per game (5.8) while the Catamounts rank 296th (5.2).
- Northeastern ranks 11th in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while Vermont ranks 97th (17.7).
