The Western Illinois Leathernecks (6-10, 1-2 Summit) will be at the Scheels Center to meet the North Dakota State Bison (7-10, 1-2 Summit) in a Summit matchup. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN 3.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at North Dakota State Bison ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Bison fell to the New Mexico State Aggies, 73-56, while the Leathernecks were defeated by the Creighton Bluejays, 78-67.
Western Illinois had a better turnover percentage (13.1 vs. 14.3) while North Dakota State had a better effective field goal percentage (0.446 vs. 0.477). North Dakota State’s Rocky Kreuser led the way, recording 23 points and five rebounds. Western Illinois, meanwhile, was led by Kobe Webster, who recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Leathernecks won the last matchup 82-74. The Leathernecks’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Bison. Western Illinois had a rate of 6.7, while North Dakota State posted a mark of 16.9. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Webster has been playing at a high level as of late for Western Illinois, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
There’s a decent chance that Western Illinois struggles to create turnovers. North Dakota State ranks 100th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while Western Illinois forces the 42nd-fewest turnovers (16.8 percent). Furthermore, the Leathernecks, who rank 308th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.6 percent), will clash against the Bison, who rank 40th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.2 percent).
Western Illinois vs. North Dakota State Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – North Dakota State, ATS Winner – North Dakota State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Illinois ranks 31st in blocks per game (4.8) while North Dakota State ranks 149th (2.4).
- The Leathernecks rank 119th in rebounds per game (36.8) while the Bison rank 233rd (31.4).
- North Dakota State averages 26.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 74th in the nation. Western Illinois ranks 154th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.2 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
- The Leathernecks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 0.4 for the season.
