The Western Michigan Broncos (9-10, 2-4 MAC) will be at the Convocation Center to clash against the Northern Illinois Huskies (10-9, 3-3 MAC) in a MAC matchup. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Northern Illinois Huskies ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Huskies were victorious over the Kent State Golden Flashes, 76-69, while the Broncos lost to the Buffalo Bulls, 90-79.
Northern Illinois played a nearly perfect contest. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.293 (above their season average of 0.195) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.1 (above their season average of 30.9). For those same stats, Kent State put up marks of 0.148 and 23.1, respectively. Western Michigan, on the other hand, did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (19-26; 73.1 percent). Northern Illinois was lifted by Eugene German, who had 17 points and eight rebounds. Titus Wright had a good outing for Western Michigan, recording 18 points and six rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Huskies won the last matchup 70-65. Northern Illinois had a much better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 19.4). Western Michigan, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (16-21; 76.2 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Northern Illinois figures to have a substantial advantage. The Huskies defense ranks 72nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.462), while the Western Michigan offense is ranked 227th in effective field goal percentage (0.488). The Broncos should have an edge in terms of ball security. They rank 41st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the Huskies force the 39th-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.2 percent).
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Northern Illinois Huskies Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Northern Illinois averages 40.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 26th in the nation. Western Michigan ranks 226th in rebounds allowed per game (38.1).
- The Broncos rank 197th in assists per game (11.8) while the Huskies rank 236th (10.4).
- Northern Illinois is 38th in the NCAA with 5.4 steals allowed per game while Western Michigan is 45th with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
- The Broncos rank 142nd in three pointers attempted per game (22.3) while the Huskies rank 244th in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
- Western Michigan ranks 48th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 95th (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.8 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
- The Huskies have been outscored by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Northern Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 2.7 points.
