The Ball State Cardinals (15-15, 6-11 MAC) welcome the Northern Illinois Huskies (14-16, 7-10 MAC) to John E. Worthen Arena as the regular season comes to a close. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 8, 2019.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Ball State Cardinals Betting Odds
In their last game, the Cardinals were beaten by the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 68-61, while the Huskies barely escaped the Central Michigan Chippewas, 89-86.
Northern Illinois out-rebounded Central Michigan. The Huskies had 18 offensive rebounds and 46 total rebounds, while the Chippewas had 11 and 32, respectively. Ball State, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.1 (above their season average of 27.5). Ball State rallied around Tahjai Teague, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Lacey James played a key role for Northern Illinois with 16 points and 19 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Trey Moses led the Cardinals to a 72-71 victory. He notched a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Ball State had a much better free throw rate (0.333 vs. 0.129). Northern Illinois, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 15.3).
The aggressive Ball State offense could be getting to the foul line a lot in this showdown. The Cardinals rank 54th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.271, while Northern Illinois ranks 282nd in FTA rate allowed (0.262).
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Ball State Cardinals Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Ball State, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Northern Illinois ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Ball State ranks 152nd (6.7).
- The Cardinals average 37.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 68th in the nation. The Huskies rank 83rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.3).
- The Cardinals rank 138th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0) while the Huskies rank 249th (25.3).
- Ball State ranks 177th in assists per game (12.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 229th (11.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
- The Cardinals have been outscored by an average of 4.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Ball State has defeated opponents by an average of 3.9 points.
