The Denver Pioneers (4-11, 0-1 Summit) welcome the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (6-8) to Magness Arena. The Pioneers will attempt to snap their six-game losing streak. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs. Denver Pioneers ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Pioneers fell to the North Dakota State Bison, 66-55, while the Fighting Hawks were defeated by the Oregon State Beavers, 83-66.
North Dakota held Oregon State to an effective field goal percentage of 0.492 (below their season average of 0.554) while Denver had a turnover percentage of 13.2 (better than their season average of 19.6). Denver’s Ade Murkey played well, putting up 15 points and 11 rebounds. Filip Rebraca, meanwhile was a key piece for North Dakota with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Fighting Hawks dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent matchup, North Dakota won 81-63. The Fighting Hawks’ 11.8 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Pioneers, who had a mark of 19.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Fighting Hawks’ De’Sean Allen-Eikens has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 14 points per game. Meanwhile, Murkey has averaged 19 points,6.0 rebounds,1.8 steals during that same time frame for the Pioneers.
It could be a difficult game for Denver on the offensive glass. The Pioneers are among the country’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 342nd in offensive rebounding percentage at 20.2 percent. Meanwhile, North Dakota ranks 78th in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 74.8 percent. Furthermore, the Fighting Hawks’ 44th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.543) will square off against the Pioneers’ 305th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.526).
North Dakota vs. Denver Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Denver, ATS Winner – Denver, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Dakota ranks 61st in three pointers allowed per game (19.8) while Denver ranks 235th (25.7).
- The Pioneers rank 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Fighting Hawks rank 109th (3.6).
- Denver ranks 132nd in steals per game (6.3) while North Dakota ranks 159th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
- The Fighting Hawks rank 60th in rebounds per game (38.7) while the Pioneers rank 232nd (32.9).
- North Dakota averages 15.0 assists per game, which ranks 60th in the NCAA. Denver ranks 161st in assists allowed per game (13.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 65.4 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.0 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
- The Fighting Hawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 4.1 for the season.
