The Ball State Cardinals (11-11, 2-7 MAC) will be at the Convocation Center to meet the Northern Illinois Huskies (12-10, 5-4 MAC) in a MAC matchup. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Ball State Cardinals at Northern Illinois Huskies ATS Odds
Both teams lost in their last outing. The Huskies were beaten by the Toledo Rockets, 69-55, while the Cardinals lost a tough one against the Kent State Golden Flashes, 83-80.
Ball State did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (19-24; 79.2 percent) while Northern Illinois had a turnover percentage of 8.3 (better than their season average of 16.4). Northern Illinois received a boost from Eugene German, who had 15 points and six rebounds. K.J. Walton fueled Ball State with 26 points and five rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last matchup, the Huskies won 66-65. Northern Illinois out-rebounded Ball State. The Huskies had 20 offensive rebounds and 49 total rebounds, while the Cardinals had seven and 35, respectively. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The productive offense of Ball State (84th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 109.6) will clash against the mid-tier defense of Northern Illinois (221st in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 104.0). The Cardinals figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 155th in three pointers allowed per game (22.7) while Northern Illinois ranks 271st (26.8).
- The Huskies rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Cardinals rank 80th (3.1).
- Ball State averages 13.3 assists per game, which ranks 149th in the country. Northern Illinois ranks 199th in assists allowed per game (14.5).
- The Huskies rank 26th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Cardinals rank 124th (6.5).
- Northern Illinois ranks 44th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while Ball State ranks 136th (34.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 67.2 points per game (8.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
- The Cardinals have been outscored by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Ball State has defeated opponents by an average of 5.4 points.
