The North Dakota State Bison (18-11) visit the Denver Pioneers (14-14) in what should be a low-scoring game. Action begins at 6:00 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 and can be seen on RT.
The Pioneers enter this game hoping for similar success after topping South Dakota 76-71 in their last matchup. Joe Rosga played a pivotal role with 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The Bison, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 71-59 loss against South Dakota State in their last game. Carlin Dupree had a good game for North Dakota State, accounting for 17 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Marcus Byrd has taken his game to another level over the last five games for the Pioneers. During that stretch, he has averaged 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 3.4 three-pointers.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Denver ranks 349th in possessions per game (61.8), while North Dakota State is 319th (65.7).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Bison winning the first matchup 75-49. Dupree had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 16 points, two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one three-pointer.
The Pioneers come into this game 14-14 Straight Up (SU) and 12-15 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have only managed a record of 3-7 ATS. The Pioneers are one of the best in Division I in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting an impressive .476 from the field. Opposing teams know they’re in for a battle when they play Denver’s stingy defense. The Pioneers are one of the top teams when it comes to defense, allowing just 65.8 points per game.
As for their opponent, the Bison have been a poor bet so far, with a disappointing record of 9-17 ATS. Their SU record, 18-11, hasn’t been quite as bad. The Bison allow just 64.8 points per game, ranking them 27th in the nation. The Bison allow very few three-pointers on defense with 5.0 given up per game.
In their previous meeting this season, North Dakota State beat Denver, bumping its SU record over their most recent meetings to 8-1. Furthermore, North Dakota State holds the advantage ATS with a record of 6-2. North Dakota State held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once, while Denver was never able to do so in their most recent five games.
Predictions: SU Winner – NDakSt, ATS Winner – NDakSt
Notes
“Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games “.
“The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Denver’s last 9 games “.
“Denver is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home”.
“Denver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home”.
“The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver’s last 5 games at home”.
“Denver is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing North Dakota State”.
“Denver is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing North Dakota State”.
“The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver’s last 6 games when playing North Dakota State”.
Denver scores an average of just 65.0 points per game (ranked 248th). North Dakota State ranks 27th in points allowed, giving up 64.8 points per game.
Denver scores just 65.0 points per home game (ranked 253rd). North Dakota State ranks 82nd in points allowed on the road, giving up 71.7 points.
The North Dakota State Bison have a defensive rating of 97.8 (ranked 52nd), while the Denver Pioneers have an offensive rating of 105.2 (ranked 192nd).
The Denver Pioneers average a field goal percentage of 47.6% this season. The North Dakota State Bison have an abysmal record of 1-5 when opponents have a FG% of 47.6% or greater.
The Denver Pioneers rank lower for their field goal percentage (32nd) than they do for their effective field goal percentage (16th), but the North Dakota State Bison have a better FG% ranking (152nd) than eFG% ranking (157th).
Denver records 6.2 steals per game. North Dakota State is 4-5 when giving up at least 6 steals.
