The NJIT Highlanders (12-3) welcome the Kennesaw State Owls (3-12) to Wellness and Events Center. The Owls can snap an eight-game road losing streak. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Kennesaw State Owls vs. NJIT Highlanders Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Highlanders barely escaped the Colgate Raiders 81-78, while the Owls were victorious over the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 68-57.
Kennesaw State played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 47.2 and a free throw rate of 0.220. For those same stats, Oglethorpe put up marks of 15.2 and 0.157, respectively. The Highlanders, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (10.7 vs. 14.5) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.573 vs. 0.528). NJIT was lifted by Reilly Walsh, who finished with 21 points. Tyler Hooker, meanwhile was a key piece for Kennesaw State with 25 points and five steals.
The Highlanders dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent contest, NJIT won 74-71. NJIT did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (24-32; 75.0 percent). Kennesaw State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 19.7). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
A focal point for the NJIT offense is getting to the free throw line. The Highlanders rank 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.309), but Kennesaw State is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 47th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.184).
Kennesaw State Owls vs. NJIT Highlanders ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – NJIT, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- NJIT ranks 11th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while Kennesaw State ranks 163rd (7.9).
- The Owls rank 206th in assists per game (11.4) while the Highlanders rank 225th (10.5).
- Kennesaw State ranks 111th in blocks per game (3.1) while NJIT ranks 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Highlanders rank 216th in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while the Owls rank 274th (12.9).
- Kennesaw State averages 36.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 126th in the country. NJIT ranks 167th in rebounds allowed per game (36.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Highlanders have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (matching their season average) and allowed an average of 64.2 points per game (3.9 below their season average).
- The Owls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.8, down from 13.5 for the season.
