It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Northern Illinois Huskies (12-10, 5-4 MAC) welcome the Ball State Cardinals (11-11, 2-7 MAC) to the Convocation Center. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Northern Illinois Huskies Free Prediction
In the Cardinals’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Kent State Golden Flashes, 83-80. Kent State’s 9.9 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Ball State, who had a rate of 23.1. The Golden Flashes’ mark was better than their season average of 14.1, while the Cardinals’ was above their season average of 17.0. K.J. Walton was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points on 8-for-12 shooting.
The Huskies fell to the Toledo Rockets in their last matchup, 69-55. Toledo’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Northern Illinois. The Rockets had a rate of 0.175 (below their season average of 0.206), while the Huskies posted a mark of 0.113 (below their season average of 0.210). With 15 points and six rebounds, Eugene German had a good performance for Northern Illinois.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, the Huskies won 66-65. Northern Illinois’ rebounding was their largest advantage. The Huskies had 20 offensive rebounds and 49 total rebounds, while the Cardinals had seven and 35, respectively.
Ball State figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Cardinals rank 84th in offensive efficiency, while Northern Illinois ranks 221st in defensive efficiency.
Ball State at Northern Illinois Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Ball State ranks 155th in three pointers allowed per game (22.7) while Northern Illinois ranks 271st (26.8).
The Huskies rank 26th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Cardinals rank 124th (6.5).
Northern Illinois ranks 44th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while Ball State ranks 136th (34.8).
The Huskies rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Cardinals rank 80th (3.1).
Ball State ranks 149th in assists per game (13.3) while Northern Illinois ranks 199th in assists allowed per game (14.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Cardinals have been outscored by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Ball State has defeated opponents by an average of 5.4 points.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 67.2 points per game (8.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
+++++
