The Western Illinois Leathernecks (6-11, 1-3 Summit) will try to put an end to their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (7-10, 1-3 Summit) at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks ATS Prediction
The last time the Leathernecks played, they were defeated by the North Dakota State Bison, 85-69. North Dakota State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Western Illinois. The Bison had a rate of 25.8 (above their season average of 22.3), while the Leathernecks posted a mark of 16.7 (below their season average of 24.6). Western Illinois’ Brandon Gilbeck played well, recording eight points, 12 rebounds and five blocks.
The Fighting Hawks lost a tough one against the Omaha Mavericks in their last game, 92-91. Omaha’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Mavericks had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. nine), defensive rebounds (27 vs. 22) and total rebounds (42 vs. 31). North Dakota’s Conner Avants put together a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 24 points on 8-for-12 shooting.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, North Dakota should have a substantial advantage. The upper-echelon Fighting Hawks offense ranks 77th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.538, while the Western Illinois defense is ranked 186th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.500).
Western Illinois vs. North Dakota Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Dakota, ATS Winner – North Dakota, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
North Dakota ranks 97th in assists per game (14.4) while Western Illinois ranks 225th (11.1).
The Fighting Hawks rank 153rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.5) while the Leathernecks rank 230th (38.4).
Western Illinois ranks 33rd in blocks per game (4.8) while North Dakota ranks 98th (3.4).
The Leathernecks average 5.9 steals per game, which ranks 133rd in the nation. The Fighting Hawks rank 136th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
North Dakota ranks 147th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while Western Illinois ranks 148th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Leathernecks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Hawks have scored an average of 63.2 points per game (8.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
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