The Portland State Vikings (17-11, 7-8 BigSky) will travel to Walkup Skydome to square off with the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (5-23, 2-13 BigSky) in their home finale. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Portland State Vikings at Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Betting Preview
The last time the Vikings played, they defeated the Southern Utah Thunderbirds, 96-91. Holland Woods was Portland State’s leading scorer with 20 points on 6-for-17 shooting. The Vikings had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 43.1 (above their season average of 34.7) and had a turnover percentage of 12.1 (better than their season average of 13.6).
The Lumberjacks hope to keep it rolling after defeating the Sacramento State Hornets in their last game, 58-53. Northern Arizona was led by Corey Brown, who recorded six points and 12 rebounds. The Lumberjacks knocked down 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and held the Hornets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.8 (below their season average of 24.8).
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Northern Arizona. Northern Arizona ranks 341st in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.3 percent), while the pesky defense of Portland State forces the third-most turnovers in the nation (24.1 percent). Moreover, the Vikings rank 50th in offensive efficiency (112.8), while the Lumberjacks rank 321st in defensive efficiency (111.6).
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Vikings won two out of three games played against each other last season. In the last matchup, Portland State won 80-67. Portland State had a much better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 22.3). Northern Arizona, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.5 vs. 20.0).
Portland State Vikings at Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Odds Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Northern Arizona, ATS Winner – Northern Arizona, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Vikings rank 46th in rebounds per game (38.4) while the Lumberjacks rank 208th (33.9).
- Northern Arizona averages 3.2 blocks per game, which ranks 131st in the nation. Portland State ranks 160th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
- Portland State ranks 16th in assists per game (17.0) while Northern Arizona ranks 276th (9.6).
- The Vikings rank 18th in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while the Lumberjacks rank 252nd (18.8).
- Portland State averages 10.1 steals per game, which ranks second in the NCAA. Northern Arizona ranks 196th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
Betting Trends:
- The Lumberjacks average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 12.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Vikings have scored an average of 82.6 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 84.0 points per game (3.8 above their season average).
