The Montana Grizzlies (24-7, 17-2 BigSky) challenge the Northern Colorado Bears (22-11, 13-7 BigSky) in the Big Sky Conference Tourney at Reno Events Center. The game starts at 8:35 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Northern Colorado Bears vs. Montana Grizzlies ATS Prediction
The Bears will be hoping for similar success after blowing out the Weber State Wildcats in their last outing, 80-55. The Bears had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 35.5 (above their season average of 26.5) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.603 (above their season average of 0.533). Northern Colorado rallied around Andre Spight, who was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
In Montana’s last matchup, they were victorious over the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, 84-76. The Grizzlies held the Fighting Hawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.8 (below their season average of 20.6). The Fighting Hawks had a free throw rate of 0.186 (below their season average of 0.251). Ahmaad Rorie was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
This showdown figures to be low-scoring as two of the nation’s premier defenses battle. Montana currently ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency (96.9) and Northern Colorado is 49th (98.8). Additionally, the Bears commit the 54th-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while the gambling defense of Montana causes the 23rd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.3 percent).
Michael Oguine has averaged 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds over the last five games for Montana.
The Grizzlies have won both games against the Bears this season, including a nine-point victory in their last matchup. Montana had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 vs. 19.4) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.595 vs. 0.500). Despite the loss, Spight was the game’s leading scorer with 32 points.
Northern Colorado Bears vs. Montana Grizzlies Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Northern Colorado, ATS Winner – Northern Colorado, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Northern Colorado ranks 59th in three-pointers attempted per game (24.7) while Montana ranks 288th (16.5).
The Grizzlies rank 20th in steals per game (7.8) while the Bears rank 208th (5.1).
Montana ranks 41st in rebounds allowed per game (32.3) while Northern Colorado ranks 172nd (35.4).
The Bears rank 47th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Grizzlies rank 167th (4.0).
Montana ranks 184th in assists per game (12.9) while Northern Colorado ranks 234th (12.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 8.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 80.2 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
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