The Western Illinois Leathernecks (4-7, 1-0 Summit) will be at the Scheels Center to clash against the North Dakota State Bison (9-5, 1-0 Summit) in a Summit matchup. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. North Dakota State Bison Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Bison defeated the Denver Pioneers 66-55, while the Leathernecks beat the South Dakota Coyotes 82-75.
The Leathernecks held the Coyotes to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 24.6) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.460 (below their season average of 0.549). Meanwhile, North Dakota State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Denver. The Bison had a rate of 0.549 (above their season average of 0.492), while the Pioneers posted a mark of 0.364 (below their season average of 0.480). North Dakota State’s Vinnie Shahid had a good game, contributing 19 points and five assists. Western Illinois was led by Zion Young, who finished with 21 points and nine rebounds.
The Bison dominated this series last year, taking all three contests. In the last contest, North Dakota State won 76-73. North Dakota State’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Western Illinois. The Bison had a rate of 0.630 while the Leathernecks posted a mark of 0.545. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
North Dakota State could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. North Dakota State ranks 10th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.6 percent), while Western Illinois forces the 32nd-fewest turnovers (17.2 percent). Contrasting styles will be on display in this showdown. The up-and-down Leathernecks rank 32nd in possessions per game, while the more methodical Bison rank 326th.
Western Illinois at North Dakota State Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Dakota State, ATS Winner – North Dakota State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Dakota State ranks 70th in rebounds allowed per game (32.9) while Western Illinois ranks 233rd (38.5).
- The Bison rank 16th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Leathernecks rank 22nd (5.2).
- Western Illinois allows the 50th-fewest blocks per game (2.8) while North Dakota State ranks 55th (2.9).
- The Bison rank 27th in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while the Leathernecks rank 162nd (21.5).
- North Dakota State ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (9.6) while Western Illinois ranks 93rd (12.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Leathernecks have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Western Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 0.2 points.
- During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
