The Montana State Bobcats (8-5, 2-0 BigSky) will be at Bank of Colorado Arena to square off against the Northern Colorado Bears (7-5, 0-1 BigSky) in a BigSky matchup. Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Montana State Bobcats at Northern Colorado Bears ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Bears lost to the Portland State Vikings, 69-65, while the Bobcats edged the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, 63-61.
Montana State made good use of their 28 trips to the free throw line, converting on 25 of them (89.3 percent). Northern Arizona, meanwhile, was just 5-10 (50.0 percent). Northern Colorado, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.138 vs. 0.068). Jonah Radebaugh had a solid game for Northern Colorado with 14 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Montana State received a boost from Jubrile Belo, who finished with 17 points and nine rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Bobcats won the last matchup 69-66. The Bobcats’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Bears. Montana State had a rate of 12.7, while Northern Colorado posted a mark of 18.3. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Northern Colorado currently ranks 279th in possessions per game (67.9) and Montana State is 260th (68.5). Also, the Bobcats rank 327th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.4 percent), while the Bears rank 27th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.0 percent).
Montana State Bobcats at Northern Colorado Bears Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Montana State, ATS Winner – Montana State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Northern Colorado ranks 21st in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while Montana State ranks 223rd (19.2).
- The Bobcats rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Bears rank 67th (3.1).
- The Bears rank 21st in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Bobcats rank 129th (7.0).
- Northern Colorado ranks first in assists allowed per game (7.2) while Montana State ranks 102nd (12.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bobcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 3.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 80.8 points per game (5.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.2 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
