The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (4-3) will be at home in Freedom Hall Civic Center when they clash with the Northern Kentucky Norse (6-2). Northern Kentucky is a 1.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 148.5 points. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Odds Preview
The Norse had no trouble getting past the Morehead State Eagles in their last game, 86-49. Drew McDonald was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting. Northern Kentucky dominated every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous effective field goal percentage of 0.704 (above their season average of 0.562) and a turnover percentage of 19.6 (worse than their season average of 15.3). Morehead State was 0.412 and 26.9, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Buccaneers last matchup, they beat the Fordham Rams, 82-77. East Tennessee State rallied around Desonta Bradford, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 6-for-10 shooting. The Buccaneers held the Rams to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.3 (below their season average of 21.7) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.653 (above their season average of 0.476).
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Northern Kentucky. Since last season, Northern Kentucky ranks 188th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.0 percent), while the disruptive defense of East Tennessee State has forced the 30th-most turnovers in the nation (22.2 percent).
Games featuring these teams have typically gone under the O/U total. Northern Kentucky games have gone under 66.7 percent of the time, while 60.0 percent of East Tennessee State games have gone under. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Norse have a significant advantage. They are 6-2 SU and 5-1 ATS, while the Buccaneers are 4-3 SU and 3-2 ATS.
These teams have already met once this season. The Norse won 81-63. The Norse’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Buccaneers. Northern Kentucky had a rate of 15.7, while East Tennessee State posted a mark of 22.1. McDonald put up a double-double in the victory with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Northern Kentucky, ATS Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Buccaneers rank 47th in rebounds allowed per game (32.6) while the Norse rank 80th (33.5).
- Northern Kentucky ranks 40th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while East Tennessee State ranks 42nd (11.4).
- Northern Kentucky averages 24.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 43rd in the nation. East Tennessee State ranks 239th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
- The Buccaneers rank 64th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Norse rank 217th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- East Tennessee State ranks 15th in steals per game (8.5) while Northern Kentucky ranks 151st (6.3).
