The Northern Illinois Huskies (12-11, 5-5 MAC) will be at the Convocation Center to go head-to-head against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (9-13, 3-6 MAC) in a MAC matchup. The game begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last contest. The Eagles lost to the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 59-48, while the Huskies lost a close one to the Ball State Cardinals, 72-71.
Northern Illinois had a better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 15.3) while Eastern Michigan held Miami (OH) to an effective field goal percentage of 0.361 (below their season average of 0.523). Boubacar Toure played a pivotal role for Eastern Michigan with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Eugene German, meanwhile led the way for Northern Illinois, recording 17 points and seven rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Eagles won the last contest 82-53. Eastern Michigan had a much better turnover percentage (13.6 vs. 24.9). Northern Illinois, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (11-14; 78.6 percent). This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Eagles rank fifth in offensive rebounding percentage (38.4 percent), while Northern Illinois ranks 54th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.9 percent). Furthermore, the Huskies rank 284th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.202), while the Eagles rank 46th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.188).
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Eastern Michigan, ATS Winner – Eastern Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Eastern Michigan ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.4) while Northern Illinois ranks 193rd (2.0).
- The Huskies rank 197th in assists allowed per game (14.4) while the Eagles rank 257th (17.1).
- Eastern Michigan averages 20.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 210th in the NCAA. Northern Illinois ranks 264th in three pointers allowed per game (26.6).
- The Huskies rank 25th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Eagles rank 161st (7.1).
- Northern Illinois ranks 48th in rebounds allowed per game (32.3) while Eastern Michigan ranks 138th (34.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies have been outscored by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Northern Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 4.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
