The Northern Illinois Huskies (6-5) challenge the UIC Flames (4-7) at Convocation Center. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017.
Northern Illinois is a 3-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 144.5 points.
UIC Flames vs. Northern Illinois Huskies Free Prediction
In the Flames’ last contest, they were defeated by the Illinois State Redbirds, 71-70. Illinois State’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over UIC. The Redbirds had a rate of 8.0 (better than their season average of 15.8), while the Flames posted a mark of 24.6 (above their season average of 19.0). Marcus Ottey was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 10-for-12 shooting.
The Huskies fell to the Marquette Golden Eagles in their last contest, 79-70. Marquette’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Northern Illinois. The Golden Eagles had a rate of 12.8 (better than their season average of 15.0), while the Huskies posted a mark of 20.6 (above their season average of 14.2). Eugene German had a good game for Northern Illinois, leading the team in scoring with 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting.
UIC could have a difficult time creating turnovers. Northern Illinois ranks 53rd in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while UIC forces the 181st-most turnovers (19.5 percent).
UIC comes into the contest with records of 4-7 straight up (SU) and 2-6 against the spread (ATS). Flames games have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Northern Illinois owns records of 6-5 SU and 4-3 ATS. Games involving the Huskies have a tendency to go over the O/U total (57.1 percent).
German has averaged 22.2 points and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Northern Illinois.
After the Huskies won the lone game against the Flames last season, 92-81, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Huskies had a better turnover percentage (18.1 vs. 21.1) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.581 vs. 0.510).
UIC Flames at Northern Illinois Huskies Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, UIC is 1-3 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under.
At home, Northern Illinois is 1-1 ATS with 1 over and 1 under.
UIC ranks fourth in blocks per game (7.3) while Northern Illinois ranks 155th (2.6).
The Huskies rank first in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Flames rank 149th (7.2).
UIC averages 38.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 83rd in the nation. Northern Illinois ranks 177th in rebounds allowed per game (36.6).
The Flames rank 200th in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while the Huskies rank 268th (15.8).
Northern Illinois ranks 215th in assists per game (11.5) while UIC ranks 226th (11.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, UIC is 2-2 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over.
Northern Illinois is 2-1 ATS with 2 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Flames have outscored opponents by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. For the season, UIC has been defeated by an average of 1.5 points.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.0 points per game (3.6 above their season average).
