The Wyoming Cowboys (7-2) will attempt to continue a six-game home winning streak when they meet the Northern Colorado Bears (8-3) at Arena-Auditorium. Wyoming is an 8-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 145.5 points. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 19, 2017.
Northern Colorado Bears vs. Wyoming Cowboys Free Preview
The last time the Bears played, they won big over the Denver Pioneers, 83-63. Andre Spight was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 8-for-14 shooting. Northern Colorado played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.6 (better than their season average of 16.1) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.655 (above their season average of 0.512). Denver put up marks of 22.3 and 0.473, respectively, for those same stats.
The Cowboys come in on a high note after topping the Texas Southern Tigers in their last outing, 72-66. Wyoming rallied around Justin James, who led the team in scoring with 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting. Wyoming played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.258) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 (above their season average of 17.4). For those same stats, Texas Southern was 0.197 and 27.3, respectively.
It could be a tough game for Wyoming on the offensive glass. The Cowboys rank 342nd in offensive rebounding percentage (22.4 percent), while Northern Colorado ranks 34th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.1 percent) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Both of these teams have typically finished under the projected point total. Games involving Northern Colorado have gone under 62.5 percent of the time, while Wyoming games have gone under 60.0 percent of the time. Both teams have very similar records straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS). The Bears are 8-3 SU and 5-2-1 ATS, while the Cowboys are 7-2 SU and 4-6 ATS.
Northern Colorado Bears vs. Wyoming Cowboys Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Wyoming, ATS Winner – Wyoming, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Bears rank 10th in steals allowed per game (5.8) while the Cowboys rank 63rd (6.6).
- Wyoming ranks 24th in blocks per game (4.7) while Northern Colorado ranks 52nd (2.9).
- Wyoming ranks 31st in assists per game (15.3) while Northern Colorado ranks 231st (12.8).
- The Bears rank 48th in rebounds per game (37.7) while the Cowboys rank 233rd in rebounds allowed per game (39.4).
- Northern Colorado ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (20.0) while Wyoming ranks 111th (21.7).
