The NJIT Highlanders (7-1) will travel to the Costello Athletic Center to challenge the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks (4-5). The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 1, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
NJIT Highlanders vs. Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the River Hawks got blown out by the Connecticut Huskies, 97-75, while the Highlanders edged the Drexel Dragons, 70-67.
NJIT played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.246 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 9.4 (better than their season average of 15.2). For those same stats, Drexel put up marks of 0.132 and 12.9, respectively. Massachusetts-Lowell, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.245 vs. 0.205). Obadiah Noel played a pivotal role for Massachusetts-Lowell with 20 points. NJIT received a boost from Abdul Lewis, who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Highlanders won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 78-65. NJIT had a much better turnover percentage (14.6 vs. 28.2). Massachusetts-Lowell, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.7 vs. 27.0).
It could be a sloppy game for the Massachusetts-Lowell offense. Dating back to last season, Massachusetts-Lowell ranks 246th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.6 percent), while the pesky defense of NJIT has forced the 57th-most turnovers in the country (20.9 percent).
NJIT Highlanders at Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks Betting Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Massachusetts-Lowell, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- NJIT ranks 15th in steals per game (7.9) while Massachusetts-Lowell ranks 260th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
- The Highlanders rank 206th in rebounds per game (34.8) while the River Hawks rank 267th (33.4).
- NJIT ranks 49th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Massachusetts-Lowell ranks 73rd (20.3).
- The Highlanders rank 96th in assists allowed per game (12.5) while the River Hawks rank 250th (14.5).
- Massachusetts-Lowell ranks 155th in blocks allowed per game (3.4) while NJIT ranks 245th (4.2).