The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (0-6) are off to a slow start and will try to pick up their first win when they take on the Santa Clara Broncos (1-5) at Leavey Center. Santa Clara is a 13-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 139 points. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 30, 2017.
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks vs. Santa Clara Broncos Betting Preview
In the Lumberjacks last contest, they fell to the UC Irvine Anteaters, 77-71. Chris Bowling put together a solid game for Northern Arizona, leading both teams in scoring with 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting. UC Irvine had an effective field goal percentage of 0.570 (above their season average of 0.493). Northern Arizona, on the other hand, forced the Anteaters into a turnover percentage of 21.3 (above their season average of 17.8).
The Broncos are hoping for a better outcome after their 73-59 loss to the Sam Houston State Bearkats in their last matchup. KJ Feagin was the games high scorer with 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting. Sam Houston State had a free throw rate of 0.192 (above their season average of 0.147). Santa Clara, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (17.0 vs. 18.2).
Santa Clara should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Since the 2016-17 season, Santa Clara ranks 21st in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.1 percent), while Northern Arizona has forced the 58th-fewest turnovers (17.3 percent).
Of Northern Arizona’s 5 games with betting action, three have finished over the O/U total, while 2 of Santa Clara’s 4 games have finished over the projected point total. The Broncos have the superior straight up (SU) record (1-5 vs. 0-6), but the Lumberjacks hold the substantial advantage against the spread (ATS) (3-2 vs. 0-4).
The Broncos won the sole contest against the Lumberjacks last season, 67-64. The Broncos turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Lumberjacks. Santa Clara had a rate of 10.5, while Northern Arizona posted a mark of 17.1.
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks vs. Santa Clara Broncos Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Santa Clara, ATS Winner – Northern Arizona, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Broncos average 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 118th in the nation. The Lumberjacks rank 266th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
- Northern Arizona ranks 267th in blocks per game (2.2) while Santa Clara ranks 281st (2.0).
- Santa Clara ranks second in steals allowed per game (3.9) while Northern Arizona ranks 249th (7.2).
- The Lumberjacks rank 91st in rebounds per game (37.4) while the Broncos rank 323rd (29.7).
- Santa Clara ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (17.5) while Northern Arizona ranks 246th (22.9).
