The Northern Kentucky Norse (19-7, 12-2 Hor) visit Wright State to take on the Raiders (19-8, 11-3 Hor) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against stifling defense. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 16, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 136.5 points with Northern Kentucky set as a 1-point favorite.
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. Wright State Raiders Betting Prediction
The Norse come in on a high note after defeating the Green Bay Phoenix in their last matchup, 86-80. The Norse made 19 of their 20 free throws (95.0 percent) and held the Phoenix to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.2 (below their season average of 27.9). Drew McDonald was a key piece for Northern Kentucky with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
The last time the Raiders played, they lost a tough one against the Milwaukee Panthers, 74-73. Milwaukee’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Wright State. The Panthers had a rate of 0.714 (above their season average of 0.509), while the Raiders posted a mark of 0.474. With 20 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Loudon Love was the top scorer from either team.
Wright State might have trouble putting up points as they clash against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Northern Kentucky currently ranks ninth in defensive efficiency while the Raiders rank 258th in offensive efficiency.
Northern Kentucky comes into the game with records of 19-7 straight up (SU) and 14-9 against the spread (ATS). Of the Norse’s 23 games with betting action, 14 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Wright State owns records of 19-8 SU and 13-12 ATS. Games including the Raiders also have a tendency to finish under the O/U total (64.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. McDonald (18.4 points and 11.2 rebounds) has been great for the Norse while Love (15.2 points and 11.2 rebounds) has made solid contributions to the Raiders.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Grant Benzinger scored a game-high 31 points in the first matchup, in which the Raiders beat the Norse 84-81, covering as 10.5-point underdogs. He also put up seven rebounds. The game finished with a total of 165 points, which was 28 points above the projected point total of 137 points. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Wright State’s largest strengths. They made 28 trips to the line, while Northern Kentucky went 20 times.
Northern Kentucky Norse at Wright State Raiders Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, ATS Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Northern Kentucky is 8-4 ATS with 6 overs and 6 unders.
At home, Wright State is 5-7 ATS with 11 unders and 1 over.
Northern Kentucky ranks 20th in assists per game (17.0) while Wright State ranks 168th (13.2).
The Norse rank 34th in steals per game (7.6) while the Raiders rank 117th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
Wright State ranks 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Northern Kentucky ranks 118th (3.5).
The Norse average 23.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 97th in the nation. The Raiders rank 154th in three pointers allowed per game (22.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Northern Kentucky is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Wright State is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Norse’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.6, down from 13.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Raiders have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
