A low-scoring game should be expected when the Pittsburgh Panthers (7-3) and the Northern Illinois Huskies (6-4) face off at Petersen Events Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 16, 2019, and will air on ACC Network.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Free Prediction
The Huskies are trying to rebound after their 66-57 loss to the UC Davis Aggies in their last matchup. UC Davis’ 0.542 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Northern Illinois, who had a rate of 0.400. The Aggies’ mark was above their season average of 0.528, while the Huskies’ was below their season average of 0.486. Eugene German was Northern Illinois’ leading scorer with 16 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
In the Panthers’ last matchup, they lost big to the No. 1 Louisville Cardinals, 64-46. Louisville’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Pittsburgh. The Cardinals had a rate of 0.143 (below their season average of 0.241), while the Panthers posted a mark of 0.057 (below their season average of 0.285). With 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting, Xavier Johnson led Pittsburgh in scoring.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Pittsburgh ranks 336th in possessions per game (64.4) and Northern Illinois is 262nd (67.9).
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Northern Illinois ranks 100th in three pointers attempted per game (23.6) while Pittsburgh ranks 254th (17.4).
The Huskies rank 23rd in rebounds per game (40.6) while the Panthers rank 125th (36.3).
Pittsburgh ranks 184th in assists per game (11.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 227th (10.3).
The Huskies are 20th in the NCAA with 4.9 steals allowed per game while the Panthers are 60th with 5.7 steals allowed per game.
The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 6.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 63.6 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.6 points per game (2.8 below their season average).
