The UNI Panthers (19-3, 8-2 MVC) will be at the Athletics-Recreation Center to square off with the Valparaiso Crusaders (12-11, 5-5 MVC) in a MVC matchup. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
UNI Panthers at Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Crusaders defeated the Illinois State Redbirds 80-70, while the Panthers beat the Evansville Aces 80-68.
UNI dominated every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.442 (above their season average of 0.216) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.6 (below their season average of 30.0). For those same stats, Evansville had marks of 0.250 and 24.1, respectively. The Crusaders, on the other hand, had an absurd free throw rate of 0.345 (above their season average of 0.191) and held the Redbirds to an effective field goal percentage of 0.459 (below the 0.538 mark opponents have averaged against Valparaiso this season). Valparaiso received a boost from Ben Krikke, who put up 17 points and eight rebounds. Austin Phyfe, meanwhile played well for UNI, recording 16 points.
In their first matchup this season, AJ Green led the Panthers to an 88-78 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 29 points. Converting at the free throw line was one of UNI’s largest advantages. They were 16-19 (84.2 percent), while the Crusaders were just 4-6 (66.7 percent).
Points at the line might be scarce for Valparaiso in this matchup. The Crusaders currently rank 286th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.197, while UNI ranks 33rd in FTA rate allowed (0.169). Moreover, the Panthers’ fourth-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.575) will go head-to-head against the Crusaders’ 330th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.534).
UNI Panthers vs. Valparaiso Crusaders Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – UNI, ATS Winner – UNI, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 31st in steals per game (8.3) while UNI ranks 239th (4.7).
- The Crusaders rank 62nd in three pointers attempted per game (25.0) while the Panthers rank 141st in three pointers allowed per game (21.6).
- UNI is sixth in the country with 2.0 blocks allowed per game while Valparaiso is 55th with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
- The Panthers rank 12th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while the Crusaders rank 180th (13.8).
- UNI ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.1) while Valparaiso ranks 146th (35.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.8, down from 12.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
