It will be a showdown between two phenomenal offenses when the Northern Colorado Bears (12-7, 6-2 BigSky) clash against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (9-7, 4-3 BigSky) at Bank of Colorado Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Northern Colorado Bears ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Bears won big over the Idaho State Bengals 77-53, while the Thunderbirds defeated the Sacramento State Hornets 76-71.
Southern Utah played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.558 (above their season average of 0.246) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.8 (above their season average of 24.7). For those same stats, Sacramento State put up marks of 0.239 and 23.9, respectively. The Bears, on the other hand, knocked down 12 of their 15 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 7.2 (better than their season average of 16.1). Jordan Davis fueled Northern Colorado with 19 points and eight assists. Southern Utah was led by Andre Adams, who finished with 17 points and nine rebounds.
The Bears won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 97-80. The Bears’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Thunderbirds. Northern Colorado had a rate of 9.8, while Southern Utah posted a mark of 21.7. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Northern Colorado should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Bears currently rank 35th in offensive efficiency, while Southern Utah ranks 194th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Thunderbirds, who rank 295th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.1 percent), will face off against the Bears, who rank 57th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.9 percent).
Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Northern Colorado Bears Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Northern Colorado, ATS Winner – Southern Utah, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Northern Colorado ranks 39th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Southern Utah ranks 258th (39.2).
- The Bears rank 114th in blocks per game (3.2) while the Thunderbirds rank 133rd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
- The Bears rank sixth in three pointers allowed per game (17.1) while the Thunderbirds rank 196th (23.9).
- Southern Utah ranks 95th in steals per game (6.6) while Northern Colorado ranks 128th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 7.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Thunderbirds have scored an average of 80.2 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
