The Northern Kentucky Norse (11-3, 1-0 Hor) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they meet the UIC Flames (7-7, 1-0 Hor) at BB&T Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 30, 2018.
UIC Flames vs. Northern Kentucky Norse Free Prediction
In the Flames’ last outing, they were topped by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 84-67. Notre Dame made good use of their 38 trips to the free throw line, converting on 36 of them (94.7 percent). UIC, on the other hand, was just 13-20 (65.0 percent). Marcus Ottey was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
The Norse won big over the Wilmington (OH) Quakers in their last matchup, 102-38. The Norse had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (60.0 vs. 21.3) and had a much better free throw rate (0.323 vs. 0.121). Jalen Tate was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting from the field.
After the Norse won both games against the Flames last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Northern Kentucky won 79-72. Northern Kentucky had a better effective field goal percentage (0.516 vs. 0.452). UIC, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 15.2).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Tarkus Ferguson (0 points) has been stellar for the Flames while Drew McDonald (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Norse.
The high-octane offense of Northern Kentucky (71st in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 111.8) will face off against the mid-tier defense of UIC (287th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 106.8). The Norse should have the edge on that side of the ball.
UIC Flames at Northern Kentucky Norse Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, ATS Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Northern Kentucky ranks 36th in assists per game (16.4) while UIC ranks 159th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
The Norse average 26.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. The Flames rank 167th in three pointers allowed per game (24.0).
Northern Kentucky averages 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 79th in the NCAA. UIC ranks 161st in rebounds allowed per game (36.4).
The Norse rank 35th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Flames rank 81st (6.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Flames’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Norse have scored an average of 85.0 points per game (6.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 57.0 points per game (9.0 below their season average).
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