It will be a battle between Hor opponents when the UIC Flames (6-11, 1-3 Hor) welcome the Northern Kentucky Norse (10-6, 2-2 Hor) to Credit Union 1 Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 10, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. UIC Flames ATS Prediction
The Norse come in on a high note after topping the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in their last matchup, 75-64. Northern Kentucky’s 0.288 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Oakland, who had a rate of 0.082. The Norse’s mark was above their season average of 0.221, while the Golden Grizzlies’ was below their season average of 0.259. Northern Kentucky rallied around Bryson Langdon, who was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points on 5-for-8 shooting.
In the Flames’ previous game, they let one slip away to the Milwaukee Panthers, 64-62. Milwaukee out-rebounded UIC. The Panthers had 20 offensive rebounds and 40 total rebounds, while the Flames had eight and 32, respectively. UIC’s Tarkus Ferguson put together a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 5-for-9 shooting.
The offense of UIC (310th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 94.6) will face off against the elite defense of Northern Kentucky (78th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 93.0). The Norse should have the advantage on that end of the court.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Flames won 69-67. The Flames’ 34.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Norse, who had a rate of 29.7.
Northern Kentucky Norse at UIC Flames Free Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Northern Kentucky averages 36.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 117th in the country. UIC ranks 196th in rebounds allowed per game (37.4).
The Norse have been outscored by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Northern Kentucky has defeated opponents by an average of 6.9 points.
During their last five games, the Flames have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (2.1 below their season average).