The Denver Pioneers (7-17, 2-8 Summit) look to snap their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the North Dakota State Bison (12-12, 6-4 Summit) at Scheels Center. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Denver Pioneers vs. North Dakota State Bison ATS Prediction
The last time the Pioneers played, they were defeated by the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, 78-65. Making free throws was one of Oral Roberts’ biggest strengths. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Pioneers were 10-13 (76.9 percent). Joe Rosga led Denver in scoring with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting.
The Bison defeated the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in their last matchup, 74-70. North Dakota State’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over North Dakota. The Bison had a rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.243), while the Fighting Hawks posted a mark of 0.175. Vinnie Shahid led North Dakota State in scoring with 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Rosga had 17 points and the Pioneers beat the Bison 80-65. Denver’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over North Dakota State. The Pioneers had a rate of 0.589 while the Bison posted a mark of 0.446.
North Dakota State should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. North Dakota State ranks 58th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while Denver forces the 43rd-fewest turnovers (16.6 percent). Furthermore, the Pioneers rank 284th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.201), while the Bison rank 23rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.176).
Denver Pioneers at North Dakota State Bison Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – North Dakota State, ATS Winner – North Dakota State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
North Dakota State ranks 53rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while Denver ranks 249th in three pointers allowed per game (25.6).
The Pioneers rank 196th in rebounds per game (34.4) while the Bison rank 261st (32.3).
North Dakota State allows the 34th-fewest blocks per game (2.6) while Denver ranks 42nd (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Pioneers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
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