The NJIT Highlanders (13-14, 6-6 Asun) will travel to UNF Arena to meet the North Florida Ospreys (12-17, 6-6 Asun) in their home finale. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
NJIT Highlanders vs. North Florida Ospreys Free Preview
The last time the Highlanders played, they edged the Jacksonville Dolphins, 71-69. Anthony Tarke led NJIT in scoring with 18 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Getting to the charity stripe was one of NJIT’s largest strengths. They had 31 free throw attempts, 16 more than Jacksonville.
The Ospreys come in on a high note after defeating the USC Upstate Spartans in their last outing, 109-100. Ivan Gandia-Rosa had a good outing for North Florida, finishing with 15 points and 18 assists. North Florida played a perfect game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.323 (above their season average of 0.198) and a turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 17.5). USC Upstate was 0.081 and 9.4, respectively, for those same stats.
This contest should be a matchup of conflicting tempos. North Florida prefers a fast-breaking style of play (12th in possessions per game), while NJIT is slower-paced (114th in possessions per game).
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Highlanders, it’s been Abdul Lewis, who has averaged 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, while the Ospreys have received solid contributions from Noah Horchler (15.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks).
These teams have already met once this season. The Highlanders won 91-59. The Highlanders dominated every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 35.3 and a solid turnover percentage of 9.8. For those same stats, the Ospreys recorded marks of 22.0 and 15.6, respectively. Tarke had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 10 points and six rebounds.
NJIT Highlanders at North Florida Ospreys Betting Prediction
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Florida, ATS Winner – North Florida, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Highlanders rank 148th in rebounds allowed per game (34.7) while the Ospreys rank 295th (41.1).
- North Florida ranks 80th in blocks per game (3.9) while NJIT ranks 169th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- NJIT ranks 13th in steals per game (8.3) while North Florida ranks 211th in steals allowed per game (8.6).
- The Highlanders rank 101st in assists allowed per game (12.6) while the Ospreys rank 266th (17.5).
- North Florida ranks ninth in three pointers attempted per game (29.1) while NJIT ranks 161st (21.6).
Betting Trends:
- The Ospreys average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 6.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Highlanders have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.2 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
