The Denver Pioneers (5-14, 0-5 Summit) look to put an end to their six-game losing streak when they clash against the North Dakota State Bison (8-10, 2-2 Summit) at Magness Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.
North Dakota State Bison at Denver Pioneers Free Prediction
The Bison come in on a high note after beating the Western Illinois Leathernecks in their last outing, 85-69. The Bison held the Leathernecks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 24.6) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.605 (above their season average of 0.533). With 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Tyson Ward was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Pioneers played, they lost to the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, 78-66. Making free throws was one of South Dakota State’s biggest advantages. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Pioneers were just 4-6 (66.7 percent). Denver’s Joe Rosga had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
Getting to the line might be hard to come by for Denver in this battle. The Pioneers currently rank 313th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.182, while North Dakota State ranks 27th in FTA rate allowed (0.175). Ball protection should be an advantage for the Bison. They rank 36th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent), while the Pioneers force the 39th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.7 percent).
After the Pioneers won both contests against the Bison last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Denver won 66-63. Denver’s 0.609 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over North Dakota State, who had a mark of 0.423.
North Dakota State Bison vs. Denver Pioneers Pick
Pick: SU Winner – North Dakota State, ATS Winner – North Dakota State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
North Dakota State ranks 51st in three pointers attempted per game (26.1) while Denver ranks 221st in three pointers allowed per game (25.5).
The Pioneers rank 185th in rebounds per game (34.6) while the Bison rank 239th (32.0).
North Dakota State ranks 41st in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Denver ranks 70th (5.8).
The Pioneers are 42nd in the NCAA with 2.7 blocks allowed per game while the Bison are 51st with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Bison’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 0.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.6 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
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