UMBC Retrievers at Northern Kentucky Norse ATS Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, College Basketball

Expect a defensive battle when the UMBC Retrievers (4-3) challenge the Northern Kentucky Norse (7-1) at BB&T Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 30, 2018.

UMBC Retrievers vs. Northern Kentucky Norse Betting Odds

In their last matchup, the Norse had no trouble getting past the Morehead State Eagles, 93-71, while the Retrievers were beaten by the American University Eagles, 73-69.

The Norse, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.557, had an outstanding mark of 0.729 and held the Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.7 (below their season average of 34.3). UMBC, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (14-20; 70.0 percent). Drew McDonald led the way for Northern Kentucky with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists to record his zeroth triple-double this year. Max Curran, meanwhile led the way for UMBC, putting up 20 points and six rebounds.

The Retrievers won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 76-75. The Retrievers’ 11.6 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Norse, who had a rate of 16.0.

The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Northern Kentucky takes on the elite defense of UMBC. Since the 2017-18 season, the Norse rank 55th in offensive efficiency, while the Retrievers are 29th in defensive efficiency.

UMBC Retrievers at Northern Kentucky Norse Odds Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • Northern Kentucky averages 24.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 77th in the country. UMBC ranks 239th in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
  • The Norse rank 85th in rebounds per game (37.3) while the Retrievers rank 196th in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
  • Northern Kentucky ranks 18th in assists per game (16.6) while UMBC ranks 81st in assists allowed per game (12.3).
  • The Norse rank 36th in steals per game (7.5) while the Retrievers rank 180th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
  • Northern Kentucky ranks 118th in blocks per game (3.6) while UMBC ranks 254th (2.3).