The Youngstown State Penguins (6-14, 2-5 Hor) welcome the Northern Kentucky Norse (15-4, 5-1 Hor) to Beeghly Physical Education Center as they attempt to end their five-game home losing streak. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Northern Kentucky Norse at Youngstown State Penguins Free Prediction
In the Norse’s last contest, they topped the Cleveland State Vikings, 91-76. The Norse had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 6.5 (better than their season average of 15.3) and held the Vikings to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below their season average of 28.2). Drew McDonald had a solid performance for Northern Kentucky, recording 19 points, 15 rebounds and six assists.
The Penguins lost to the Wright State Raiders in their last matchup, 80-74. One of Wright State’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-18 (100.0 percent), while the Penguins were just 6-9 (66.7 percent). Youngstown State’s Darius Quisneberry had a solid performance, leading both teams in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
After the Norse won both matchups against the Penguins last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Northern Kentucky won 70-51. The Norse knocked down 17 of their 23 free throws (73.9 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.510 vs. 0.375).
The offense of Youngstown State (193rd in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 104.7) will clash against the stingy defense of Northern Kentucky (70th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 95.9). The Norse should have the advantage on that side of the ball. The Norse should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 60th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent), while the Penguins force the 81st-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.6 percent).
Northern Kentucky vs. Youngstown State Free Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, ATS Winner – Youngstown State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Northern Kentucky averages 16.7 assists per game, which ranks 20th in the NCAA. Youngstown State ranks 159th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
The Norse average 25.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 55th in the country. The Penguins rank 188th in three pointers allowed per game (24.0).
Northern Kentucky averages 37.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 85th in the country. Youngstown State ranks 164th in rebounds allowed per game (35.5).
The Norse rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Penguins rank 87th (6.2).
Northern Kentucky averages 3.8 blocks per game, which is ranked 72nd in the NCAA. Youngstown State ranks 105th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Norse’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, down from 12.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Penguins have scored an average of 77.6 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.8 points per game (3.1 below their season average).
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