The Northern Illinois Huskies (10-8, 3-2 MAC) and their sensational offense welcome the 16th-ranked Buffalo Bulls (17-1, 5-0 MAC) and their stifling defense. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
Buffalo Bulls at Northern Illinois Huskies ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Huskies lost to the Kent State Golden Flashes, 78-68, while the Bulls beat the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 77-65.
The Bulls had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2 (above their season average of 33.3) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.542 vs. 0.455). Northern Illinois, meanwhile, held Kent State to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.1 (below their season average of 32.5). Northern Illinois rallied around Eugene German, who had 22 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, CJ Massinburg played a pivotal role for Buffalo with 31 points and five rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Huskies won the most recent contest 90-88. Northern Illinois was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Huskies made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent), while the Bulls were just 11-26 (42.3 percent). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Northern Illinois (46th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 112.8) takes on the stingy defense of Buffalo (55th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 95.5). Also, the Bulls rank 18th in turnover percentage (15.6 percent), while the Huskies rank 262nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.9 percent).
Buffalo Bulls at Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo ranks 16th in three pointers attempted per game (28.4) while Northern Illinois ranks 247th in three pointers allowed per game (26.0).
- The Bulls rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.6) while the Huskies rank 186th (1.8).
- Buffalo ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 36th (5.4).
- The Huskies rank 19th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while the Bulls rank 209th (37.1).
- Buffalo ranks 11th in assists per game (17.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 194th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.2, up from 15.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 73.0 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
