Both teams look to lengthen their winning streaks as the Saint Mary’s Gaels (8-1) challenge the Northern Illinois Huskies (6-2) at McKeon Pavilion. The Gaels are on a seven-game winning streak, while the Huskies have won six consecutive games. The game begins at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 5, 2019.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Prediction
In the Huskies’ last game, they blew out the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, 74-50. Northern Illinois made 13 of their 24 three pointers (54.2 percent). Oakland, on the other hand, was just 3-21 (14.3 percent). Northern Illinois received a boost from Eugene German, who was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
The Gaels defeated the Omaha Mavericks in their last contest, 75-66. The Gaels had a better free throw rate (0.068 vs. 0.049) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 (above their season average of 27.3). With 12 points and 13 rebounds, Malik Fitts had a good performance for Saint Mary’s.
The productive offense of Saint Mary’s will clash against the mid-tier defense of Northern Illinois. Dating back to the 2018-19 season, the Gaels rank second in offensive efficiency, while the Huskies are 179th in defensive efficiency. The Gaels figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Also, the Huskies rank 285th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.201), while the Gaels rank ninth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.201).
Northern Illinois at Saint Mary’s Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Saint Mary’s ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (17.1) while Northern Illinois ranks 282nd (25.0).
The Gaels rank 117th in assists per game (10.8) while the Huskies rank 290th (11.1).
Northern Illinois ranks 130th in rebounds per game (36.2) while Saint Mary’s ranks 282nd (34.3).
The Gaels rank 14th in blocks allowed per game (3.1) while the Huskies rank 84th (3.0).
Saint Mary’s ranks first in steals allowed per game (4.7) while Northern Illinois ranks 19th (5.0).
