The North Dakota Fighting Hawks (9-12, 3-4 Summit) welcome the Western Illinois Leathernecks (5-12, 2-5 Summit) to Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The Leathernecks can put an end to a five-game road losing streak. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at North Dakota Fighting Hawks Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Fighting Hawks defeated the Denver Pioneers, 78-71, while the Leathernecks lost to the Omaha Mavericks, 87-82.
North Dakota dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below their season average of 27.7) and a turnover percentage of 13.9 (better than their season average of 17.9). For those same stats, Denver was 4.2 and 24.8, respectively. Western Illinois, meanwhile, held Omaha to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 27.8). North Dakota rallied around Marlon Stewart, who contributed 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Ben Pyle played well for Western Illinois, recording 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Fighting Hawks dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent matchup, North Dakota won 74-73. North Dakota had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.3 vs. 19.5). Western Illinois, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (14-16; 87.5 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
North Dakota appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Fighting Hawks currently rank 94th in offensive efficiency, while Western Illinois ranks 338th in defensive efficiency. Ball protection should be an advantage for the Leathernecks. They rank 5th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.0 percent), while the Fighting Hawks force the fifth-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.5 percent).
Western Illinois Leathernecks at North Dakota Fighting Hawks Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Dakota, ATS Winner – North Dakota, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- North Dakota ranks 70th in rebounds allowed per game (33.1) while Western Illinois ranks 239th (38.8).
- The Leathernecks rank 25th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Fighting Hawks rank 163rd (7.3).
- North Dakota ranks 120th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while Western Illinois ranks 161st in three pointers allowed per game (22.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Leathernecks have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 84.4 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
- The Fighting Hawks have been outscored by an average of 8.4 points in their last five games. For the season, North Dakota has defeated opponents by an average of 2.0 points.
