It will be a battle between Big Sky opponents when the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (4-20) welcome the Idaho State Bengals (13-11) to Walkup Skydome. The game starts at 8:30 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 18.
The Lumberjacks are hoping for a better outcome after their 85-67 loss to Montana the last time they played. Kris Yanku was the team’s leading scorer with 21 points. The Bengals, meanwhile, are coming off a 66-64 win against Sacramento State in their last game. Ethan Telfair was the team’s top scorer, registering 19 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
Geno Luzcando has been hot for the Bengals, averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers over the past five games.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Bengals won the first game 88-66. Luzcando was a top performer in the victory with 30 points, one rebound, three steals, and three three-pointers.
The Lumberjacks are trying to improve upon their records of 4-20 Straight Up (SU) and 5-14 Against The Spread (ATS). The Lumberjacks have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 76.8 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 69.0 points per game. The Northern Arizona defense has been shutting down opposing offenses over the past 10 games, only allowing an average of 70.6 points per game, well under their season average of 83.2.
On the other side, Idaho State has a SU record of 13-11 and an ATS record of 14-6. Idaho State has not performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 3-7 record. The Idaho State defense has allowed an average of 86.8 points per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 75.4.
The Bengals’ win over Northern Arizona in their last clash brought the head-to-head record to an even 5-5 SU over their most recent meetings. With a 7-3 record, the Bengals have the advantage ATS. Northern Arizona and Idaho State each held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers one time over the last five matchups.
Predictions: SU Winner – IdaSt, ATS Winner – IdaSt
Notes
In its last game, Northern Arizona lost by a margin of 18 points. Idaho State is 4-4 in games decided by a margin of 18 points or more. Northern Arizona has a 1-10 record in blowouts.
Northern Arizona averages 71.9 possessions per game, scoring .960 points on each possession. While Idaho State averages fewer possessions per game with 71.0, they score more points per possession with 1.054.
Northern Arizona has an average effective field goal percentage of 46.6%. Idaho State is a losing 6-10 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Northern Arizona attempts an average of 21.0 three pointers per game and Idaho State attempts 22.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks have a subpar 2-10 record while the Idaho State Bengals have an 8-7 record.
Idaho State has forced an average turnover percentage of 18.8% this season. Northern Arizona has an underachieving 1-8 record when its TO% is 18.8% or higher.
