Offense meets defense when the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (6-9, 2-0 Hor) welcome the Northern Kentucky Norse (12-3, 2-0 Hor) to Athletics Center Orena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. Oakland Golden Grizzlies ATS Prediction
In the Norse’s last matchup, they blew out the Wilmington (OH) Quakers, 102-38. The Norse had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (60.0 vs. 21.3) and had a much better free throw rate (0.323 vs. 0.121). Northern Kentucky was led by Jalen Tate, who was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The Golden Grizzlies lost a close one to the Toledo Rockets in their last game, 87-86. Toledo was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Rockets made 21 of their 25 free throws (84.0 percent), while the Golden Grizzlies were just 13-23 (56.5 percent). Xavier Hill-Mais had a solid game for Oakland, leading both teams in scoring with 30 points on 14-for-22 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Golden Grizzlies won the most recent game 83-70. Oakland’s 0.286 free throw rate was their largest strength over Northern Kentucky, who had a mark of 0.154.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Drew McDonald (0 points) has been fantastic for the Norse while Hill-Mais (0 points) has made great contributions to the Golden Grizzlies.
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Oakland ranks 37th in offensive efficiency and Northern Kentucky ranks 41st in defensive efficiency.
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. Oakland Golden Grizzlies Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, ATS Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Northern Kentucky ranks 58th in rebounds per game (38.6) while Oakland ranks 255th (29.1).
The Norse rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Golden Grizzlies rank 206th (16.3).
Oakland ranks 37th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Northern Kentucky ranks 93rd (3.4).
The Norse rank 46th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Golden Grizzlies rank 94th (6.3).
Oakland ranks 68th in three pointers attempted per game (25.2) while Northern Kentucky ranks 86th in three pointers allowed per game (21.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Norse’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 28.0, up from 13.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Grizzlies have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.4 points per game (7.5 below their season average).
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