The Weber State Wildcats (13-6) can extend a 10-game home winning streak when they take on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (3-15). Action begins at 9:00 pm ET on Thursday, Jan. 28.
The Wildcats are hoping to rebound after their 69-68 loss to Idaho State in their last matchup. Jeremy Senglin was the team’s leading scorer with 20 points. The Lumberjacks, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 84-79 loss against Northern Colorado in their last game. Mike Green led the game in scoring with 23 points.
The Wildcats could have their way today, as their productive offense faces off against one of the nation’s worst defenses. They currently rank 32nd in offensive efficiency while Northern Arizona ranks 335th in defensive efficiency. Put-back points also figure to be rare for the Lumberjacks. They rank 326th in the nation in offensive rebounding (OR% of 24.3%), while the Wildcats are 11th-best in the nation on the defensive glass (DR% of 76.2%).
This one isn’t expected to be close when Weber State, a substantial 21-point favorite, takes on Northern Arizona. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at 145 points for this matchup. The Wildcats come into this game 13-6 Straight Up (SU) and 9-5-1 Against The Spread (ATS). The Wildcats have no trouble scoring as they rank 42nd in the nation in offense with 80.0 points per game. The Wildcats are one of the best in Division I in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting an impressive .382 from beyond the arc. Teams usually don’t get many offensive rebounds against the Wildcats, who are one of the top defensive rebounding teams in the country with an average of 29.4 per game.
In the other locker room, the Lumberjacks have 3-15 SU and 3-10 ATS records. Northern Arizona has not performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 3-7 record.
These conference foes meet for what will be their first head-to-head battle of the season. Northern Arizona won the last game in the matchup, but the win was not enough to overtake Weber State in their recent head-to-head series. Its record is now 2-8 SU over the most recent meetings. The teams are even ATS, with a 5-5 record. Over the last five matchups, Weber State held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers twice. Northern Arizona performed this feat once.
Predictions: SU Winner – Web, ATS Winner – Web, O/U – Over
Notes
Weber State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Weber State’s last 6 games.
Weber State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
Weber State is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Northern Arizona.
Weber State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Northern Arizona.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Weber State’s last 5 games when playing at home against Northern Arizona.
Weber State averages 80.0 points per game (ranked 42nd). Northern Arizona, on the other hand, allows 82.9 points per game (ranked 344th).
Weber State scores 83.3 points per home game (ranked 57th). Northern Arizona ranks a poor 337th in points allowed on the road, allowing 85.4 points.
Ranked 32nd, the Weber State Wildcats have an offensive rating of 114.5. The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks rank 335th with a defensive rating of just 112.6.
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks average 73.3 possessions per game and .951 points per possession. The Weber State Wildcats earn fewer possessions with 69.8, but they score more points with 1.145.
The Weber State Wildcats have one of the best effective field goal percentages this season, ranking eighth in the country with an eFG% of 56.9%. When their opponents record a similar or higher eFG%, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks are winless with a 0-8 record.
On average, the Weber State Wildcats attempt 22.0 three point field goals per game and the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks attempt 21.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 three pointers, Weber State has a solid record of 8-4, while Northern Arizona has a subpar record of 1-9.
Weber State, the 65th-ranked team in rebounding, register an average of 39.1 rebounds per game. Northern Arizona does worse, ranked 275th with 34.5.
The Weber State Wildcats average 5.0 steals per game. When giving up 5 or more steals, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks have an abysmal record (1-13) this season.
