The North Dakota State Bison (14-7, 5-2 Summit) will be at Western Hall to challenge the Western Illinois Leathernecks (5-13, 2-6 Summit) in a Summit matchup. The game begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
North Dakota State Bison vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Odds
In their last game, the Leathernecks were beaten by the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, 83-77, while the Bison were victorious over the Denver Pioneers, 82-70.
The Bison knocked down 27 of their 32 free throws (84.4 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.585 (above their season average of 0.525). Western Illinois, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 8.3 (better than their season average of 13.4). Western Illinois’ Kobe Webster led the way, recording 17 points and seven assists. Vinnie Shahid, meanwhile was a key piece for North Dakota State with 29 points.
In their first matchup this year, Tyson Ward led the Bison to a 94-74 win. He recorded a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. The Bison’s 27.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Leathernecks, who had a rate of 13.2.
It will be a matchup of conflicting styles as the up-and-down Leathernecks will look to push the more methodical Bison. The Leathernecks rank 36th in possessions per game while the Bison are 305th. Additionally, the Bison’s 44th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 110.0) will try to take advantage of the Leathernecks’ 341st-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 110.8).
North Dakota State vs. Western Illinois Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – North Dakota State, ATS Winner – North Dakota State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- North Dakota State ranks 33rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Western Illinois ranks 247th (38.7).
- The Bison are 43rd in the country with 2.7 blocks allowed per game while the Leathernecks are 53rd with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
- Western Illinois allows the 19th-fewest steals per game (4.9) while North Dakota State ranks 20th (5.0).
- The Bison rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (17.7) while the Leathernecks rank 145th (21.8).
- North Dakota State ranks seventh in assists allowed per game (9.5) while Western Illinois ranks 95th (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Leathernecks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 4.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (8.6 above their season average).
