The Northern Colorado Bears (25-12) go head-to-head against the UIC Flames (20-15) in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament at Bank of Colorado Arena. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 30, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 157 points with Northern Colorado set as a 9-point favorite.
UIC Flames at Northern Colorado Bears Free Prediction
The Flames come in on a high note after defeating the Liberty Flames in their last game, 67-51. UIC knocked down 11 of their 14 free throws (78.6 percent) and held Liberty to an effective field goal percentage of 0.375 (below their season average of 0.544). UIC was lifted by Tarkus Ferguson, who was the game’s high scorer with 16 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
In the Bears’ last matchup, they easily got past the Sam Houston State Bearkats, 99-80. Northern Colorado made 17 of their 30 three pointers (56.7 percent). Sam Houston State, meanwhile, held the Bears to an offensive rebounding percentage of 6.7 (below their season average of 26.3). Andre Spight was the game’s leading scorer with 40 points on 15-for-24 shooting.
Points could be at a premium in this battle between two of the NCAA’s best defenses. Northern Colorado currently ranks 51st in defensive efficiency (99.3) and UIC is 50th (99.2).
UIC comes into the game with records of 20-15 straight up (SU) and 17-14 against the spread (ATS). Flames games have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (51.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Northern Colorado is 25-12 SU and 23-10-1 ATS. Of the Bears’ 34 games that accepted bets, 19 have finished over the projected point total.
UIC Flames vs. Northern Colorado Bears ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Northern Colorado, ATS Winner – UIC, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Northern Colorado ranks 14th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while UIC ranks 274th (15.3).
The Bears rank 45th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Flames rank 228th (7.2).
Northern Colorado ranks 67th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while UIC ranks 250th (19.3).
The Bears rank 82nd in rebounds per game (37.4) while the Flames rank 252nd in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
UIC ranks second in blocks per game (6.8) while Northern Colorado ranks 107th (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Flames’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 3.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 87.0 points per game (5.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
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