The Montana Grizzlies (7-7, 3-0 BigSky) will be at Bank of Colorado Arena to square off against the Northern Colorado Bears (8-5, 1-1 BigSky) in a BigSky matchup. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Montana Grizzlies vs. Northern Colorado Bears ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Bears beat the Montana State Bobcats 68-59, while the Grizzlies barely escaped the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 60-58.
The Grizzlies forced 15 turnovers and held the Thunderbirds to an effective field goal percentage of 0.422 (below their season average of 0.527). Northern Colorado, meanwhile, won the rebounding battle. The Bears had more offensive rebounds (seven vs. one) and total rebounds (32 vs. 29). Jonah Radebaugh played a pivotal role for Northern Colorado with 17 points. Montana, meanwhile, was lifted by Sayeed Pridgett, who put up 16 points and eight rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Bears won the most recent matchup 74-72. Northern Colorado’s 0.208 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Montana, who had a rate of 0.164. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
The high-powered offense of Northern Colorado will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Montana. The Bears currently rank 40th in offensive efficiency, while the Grizzlies are 145th in defensive efficiency. The Bears figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Grizzlies, who rank 318th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.8 percent), might struggle to get second chance points against the Bears, who rank 14th in defensive rebounding percentage (78.2 percent).
Montana Grizzlies at Northern Colorado Bears Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Northern Colorado, ATS Winner – Northern Colorado, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Northern Colorado ranks 21st in three pointers attempted per game (27.5) while Montana ranks 271st (15.6).
- The Bears rank first in assists allowed per game (7.2) while the Grizzlies rank 76th (11.5).
- The Bears rank 47th in rebounds allowed per game (32.3) while the Grizzlies rank 166th (36.2).
- Northern Colorado ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Montana ranks 128th (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Grizzlies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 3.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
