The Chicago State Cougars (3-11) and the Northern Illinois Huskies (6-5) battle at Convocation Center. The Cougars will attempt to put an end to their eight-game losing streak. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Chicago State Cougars at Northern Illinois Huskies ATS Odds
In their last game, the Huskies dismantled the Rockford University Regents, 93-54, while the Cougars lost big to the Indiana Hoosiers, 104-55.
Northern Illinois played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.233 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0. Rockford University was 0.117 and 23.7, respectively, for those same stats. Chicago State, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.275). Levi Bradley had a good outing for Northern Illinois, contributing 11 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Anthony Harris played a pivotal role for Chicago State with 14 points.
The Huskies won the lone game between these two teams last season, 95-77. The Huskies’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Cougars. Northern Illinois had a rate of 10.7, while Chicago State posted a mark of 19.8. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Northern Illinois could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense squares off against one of the nation’s worst defenses. The Huskies rank 34th in offensive efficiency, while Chicago State ranks 345th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, put-back points could be rare for the Cougars. They rank 305th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.6 percent, while the Huskies are 55th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.1 percent).
Chicago State vs. Northern Illinois Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Northern Illinois ranks 12th in rebounds allowed per game (29.9) while Chicago State ranks 218th (39.3).
- The Huskies rank 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while the Cougars rank 129th (4.1).
- Chicago State averages 15.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 267th in the country. Northern Illinois ranks 229th in three pointers allowed per game (26.2).
- The Huskies rank 49th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Cougars rank 181st (9.0).
- Northern Illinois ranks 97th in assists per game (14.5) while Chicago State ranks 221st in assists allowed per game (18.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 6.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 58.8 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 91.2 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
