NJIT Highlanders vs. North Alabama Lions Betting Prediction 01/12/19

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The NJIT Highlanders (13-3, 1-0 Asun) will be at Flowers Hall to challenge the North Alabama Lions (4-13, 1-1 Asun) in an Asun matchup. The game gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

NJIT Highlanders at North Alabama Lions Betting Odds

Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Lions beat the FGCU Eagles 61-56, while the Highlanders dismantled the Kennesaw State Owls 72-52.

NJIT dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a solid effective field goal percentage of 0.554 (above their season average of 0.507) and a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 15.3). Kennesaw State was 0.325 and 12.4, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, North Alabama’s 0.510 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over FGCU, who had a mark of 0.412. The Lions’ mark was above their season average of 0.445, while the Eagles’ was below their season average of 0.520. North Alabama was led by Cantavio Dutreil, who recorded 11 points and 12 rebounds. Zach Cooks, meanwhile had a good game for NJIT, putting up 19 points.

North Alabama might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they battle against one of the country’s best defenses. NJIT ranks 86th in defensive efficiency, while the Lions rank 337th in offensive efficiency. Ball security should be an advantage for the Highlanders. They rank 56th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent). Conversely, the Lions force the 90th-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 18.0 percent).

NJIT Highlanders at North Alabama Lions Betting Pick

College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Alabama, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • North Alabama ranks 49th in three pointers attempted per game (26.4) while NJIT ranks 199th (20.2).
  • The Highlanders rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Lions rank 142nd (7.2).
  • North Alabama ranks 111th in rebounds per game (36.6) while NJIT ranks 185th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Highlanders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, down from 5.7 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Lions have scored an average of 63.4 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 83.6 points per game (9.7 above their season average).