Offense meets defense when the Northern Kentucky Norse (11-5, 4-0 Hor) welcome the Wright State Raiders (12-5, 4-0 Hor) to BB&T Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 136 points with Northern Kentucky opening as a 10-point favorite.
Wright State Raiders at Northern Kentucky Norse Free Prediction
The last time the Raiders played, they defeated the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, 86-81. Wright State’s 0.533 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Oakland, who had a rate of 0.429. The Raiders’ mark was above their season average of 0.481, while the Golden Grizzlies’ was below their season average of 0.520. With 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting, Loudon Love led Wright State in scoring.
The Norse barely escaped the Detroit Titans in their last outing, 56-54. The Norse forced 16 turnovers, while the Titans had a free throw rate of 0.129 (below their season average of 0.248). Drew McDonald was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points on 5-for-17 shooting.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Northern Kentucky ranks 49th in offensive efficiency and Wright State ranks 17th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Raiders rank 271st in turnover percentage (20.5 percent), while the Norse rank 34th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.9 percent).
Wright State comes into the game with records of 12-5 straight up (SU) and 8-7 against the spread (ATS). Raiders games have typically gone under the total (66.7 percent).
Meanwhile, Northern Kentucky is 11-5 SU and 10-3 ATS. Norse games also have a tendency to go under the projected point total (61.5 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Grant Benzinger (16.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals) has been great for the Raiders while McDonald (18.8 points and 11.2 rebounds) has made great contributions to the Norse.
After the Norse won all three contests against the Raiders last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Northern Kentucky won 82-77. The Norse had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 17.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.309 vs. 0.233).
Wright State Raiders vs. Northern Kentucky Norse Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, ATS Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Wright State is 5-3 ATS on the road with 5 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Northern Kentucky is 5-0 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Northern Kentucky ranks 26th in assists per game (17.1) while Wright State ranks 165th (13.1).
The Norse rank 26th in steals per game (8.3) while the Raiders rank 100th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
Wright State ranks 50th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Northern Kentucky ranks 123rd (4.1).
The Norse rank 45th in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while the Raiders rank 81st (20.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Wright State is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Northern Kentucky is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Norse have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (7.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.2 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
