A high-scoring game should be expected when the Northern Colorado Bears (12-7, 6-2 BigSky) and the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (9-7, 4-3 BigSky) square off at Bank of Colorado Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Northern Colorado Bears ATS Prediction
In the Thunderbirds’ last game, they beat the Sacramento State Hornets, 76-71. The Thunderbirds made 24 of their 25 free throws (96.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.8 (above their season average of 24.7). Southern Utah rallied around Andre Adams, who had 17 points and nine rebounds.
The Bears easily got past the Idaho State Bengals in their last outing, 77-53. The Bears made 12 of their 15 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 7.2 (better than their season average of 16.1). Jordan Davis was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 6-for-17 shooting from the field.
After the Bears won the lone contest against the Thunderbirds last season, 97-80, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Bears had a much better turnover percentage (9.8 vs. 21.7) and had a better free throw rate (0.317 vs. 0.250).
The high-octane offense of Northern Colorado (35th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 113.6) will clash against the mid-tier defense of Southern Utah (194th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 102.2). The Bears should have the advantage on that end of the court. Additionally, put-back points could be tough to come by for the Thunderbirds. They rank 295th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.1 percent, while the Bears are 57th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 74.9 percent).
Southern Utah at Northern Colorado Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Northern Colorado, ATS Winner – Northern Colorado, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Northern Colorado ranks 39th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Southern Utah ranks 258th (39.2).
The Bears rank sixth in three pointers allowed per game (17.1) while the Thunderbirds rank 196th (23.9).
Southern Utah ranks 95th in steals per game (6.6) while Northern Colorado ranks 128th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
The Bears rank 114th in blocks per game (3.2) while the Thunderbirds rank 133rd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Thunderbirds’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, up from 0.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (8.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
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