The Chicago State Cougars (3-9) visit Welsh-Ryan Arena to square off with the Northwestern Wildcats (7-3). The Cougars will try to snap their eight-game losing streak. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, December 17, 2018, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Chicago State Cougars at Northwestern Wildcats Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Wildcats won big over the New Orleans Privateers, 82-52, while the Cougars got blown out by the Indiana Hoosiers, 104-55.
Northwestern dominated every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.2 and a free throw rate of 0.350. New Orleans was 20.4 and 0.204, respectively, for those same stats. Chicago State, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.275). Northwestern’s Vic Law played well, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Anthony Harris, meanwhile played a key role for Chicago State with 14 points.
The Wildcats won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 96-31. Northwestern’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Chicago State. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.600 while the Cougars posted a mark of 0.212. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Law and Dererk Pardon have played well over the last five games for Northwestern. Law has averaged 0 points, while Pardon has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
It will be a matchup of conflicting tempos as the up-and-down Cougars (ranked 64th in the nation in possessions per game) will look to push the more methodical Wildcats (324th in possessions per game).
Chicago State vs. Northwestern Odds Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Northwestern ranks 51st in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while Chicago State ranks 255th (39.3).
- The Wildcats average 4.3 blocks per game, which ranks 43rd in the nation. The Cougars rank 177th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
- Chicago State averages 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 77th in the NCAA. Northwestern ranks 85th in steals allowed per game (6.1).
- The Wildcats rank 35th in three pointers allowed per game (17.5) while the Cougars rank 211th (28.0).
- Northwestern averages 15.0 assists per game, which ranks 108th in the country. Chicago State ranks 262nd in assists allowed per game (18.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars\u2019 average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 32.4, up from 18.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.8 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
