The Northern Illinois Huskies (14-9, 7-3 MAC) and the Kent State Golden Flashes (16-7, 6-4 MAC) battle at Convocation Center. The Huskies will try to extend their five-game winning streak. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7, 2020, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Odds
In their last game, the Huskies beat the Toledo Rockets, 66-61, while the Golden Flashes lost to the Ball State Cardinals, 62-54.
Northern Illinois played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 14.7 (better than their season average of 16.0) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 31.7). Toledo had marks of 16.7 and 22.6, respectively, for those same stats. Kent State, on the other hand, held Ball State to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.6 (below the 31.1 mark opponents have averaged against Kent State this season). Eugene German fueled Northern Illinois with 25 points. Kent State was led by Philip Whittington, who recorded 18 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, German led the Huskies to a 76-69 victory. He produced 17 points and eight rebounds. One of Northern Illinois’ largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 17-21 (81.0 percent), while the Golden Flashes were just 9-15 (60.0 percent).
Northern Illinois should have an advantage on the offensive glass in this battle. The Huskies are among the country’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 86th in offensive rebounding percentage at 31.5 percent. Meanwhile, Kent State ranks 294th in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 69.2 percent. Additionally, the Golden Flashes rank 57th in turnover percentage (17.3 percent), while the Huskies rank 307th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.2 percent).
Kent State Golden Flashes at Northern Illinois Huskies Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Kent State averages 24.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 62nd in the NCAA. Northern Illinois ranks 255th in three pointers allowed per game (25.0).
- The Golden Flashes rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.6) while the Huskies rank 162nd (2.5).
- Kent State allows the 21st-fewest steals per game (5.0) while Northern Illinois ranks 28th (5.2).
- The Huskies rank 24th in rebounds per game (39.9) while the Golden Flashes rank 177th in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
- Kent State ranks 94th in assists per game (13.9) while Northern Illinois ranks 245th (10.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (4.6 below their season average).
- The Golden Flashes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 8.2 for the season.
