The Northern Illinois Huskies (14-9, 7-3 MAC) will attempt to lengthen their five-game winning streak against the Kent State Golden Flashes (16-7, 6-4 MAC) at Convocation Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Northern Illinois Huskies ATS Prediction
The Golden Flashes are hoping for a better outcome after their 62-54 loss to the Ball State Cardinals in their last contest. Ball State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Kent State. The Cardinals had a rate of 0.241 (above their season average of 0.193), while the Golden Flashes posted a mark of 0.117 (below their season average of 0.203). Philip Whittington was the game’s high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The last time the Huskies were in action, they beat the Toledo Rockets, 66-61. The Huskies had a turnover percentage of 14.7 (better than their season average of 16.0) and held the Rockets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.6 (below their season average of 30.3). Eugene German was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 7-for-14 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Danny Pippen led both teams with 18 points in the first game, in which the Golden Flashes lost 76-69. The Huskies knocked down 17 of their 21 free throws (81.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.1 vs. 23.1).
Northern Illinois appears to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this contest. The Huskies are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 86th in offensive rebounding percentage at 31.5 percent. Meanwhile, Kent State ranks 294th in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 69.2 percent. The Golden Flashes should have an advantage in terms of ball protection. They rank 57th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.3 percent). Conversely, the Huskies force the 46th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.2 percent).
Kent State Golden Flashes at Northern Illinois Huskies Pick
Free Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Kent State ranks 62nd in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 255th in three pointers allowed per game (25.0).
The Huskies average 39.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 24th in the country. The Golden Flashes rank 177th in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
Kent State ranks 94th in assists per game (13.9) while Northern Illinois ranks 245th (10.4).
The Golden Flashes rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.6) while the Huskies rank 162nd (2.5).
Kent State allows the 21st-fewest steals per game (5.0) while Northern Illinois ranks 28th (5.2).
The Golden Flashes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 8.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (4.6 below their season average).
