Expect a high-scoring game when the Northern Illinois Huskies (7-5) take on the eighth-ranked Michigan State Spartans (10-2) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Michigan State Spartans ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Spartans lost to the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, 92-87, while the Huskies dismantled the Rockford University Regents, 93-54.
Northern Illinois dominated every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.233 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0. For those same stats, Rockford University had marks of 0.117 and 23.7, respectively. Michigan State, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.390 vs. 0.290). Kenny Goins fueled Michigan State with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois rallied around Levi Bradley, who had 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Cassius Winston has really been playing well recently for Michigan State, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
It might turn into a shootout as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses square off. Michigan State ranks fifth with 120.3 points per 100 possessions and Northern Illinois is 22nd (116.6).
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State averages 21.0 assists per game, which ranks first in the NCAA. Northern Illinois ranks 187th in assists allowed per game (15.3).
- The Spartans average 22.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 131st in the nation. The Huskies rank 199th in three pointers allowed per game (25.3).
- Northern Illinois ranks 48th in steals allowed per game (5.7) while Michigan State ranks 106th (6.8).
- The Spartans rank 17th in blocks per game (5.5) while the Huskies rank 160th (1.9).
- Michigan State ranks sixth in rebounds per game (43.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 147th (35.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 82.4 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 25.6, up from 18.5 for the season.