The Northern Kentucky Norse (22-9, 14-5 Hor) clash against the UIC Flames (18-16, 13-8 Hor) in the Horizon Conference Tourney at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
UIC Flames vs. Northern Kentucky Norse Betting Prediction
In the Flames’ last outing, they topped the Wright State Raiders, 73-56. UIC’s 0.517 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Wright State, who had a mark of 0.342. The Flames’ mark was above their season average of 0.508, while the Raiders’ was below their season average of 0.523. With 25 points on 8-for-13 shooting, Tarkus Ferguson was the game’s leading scorer.
The Norse defeated the Green Bay Phoenix in their last contest, 80-69. The Norse made 22 of their 28 free throws (78.6 percent) and held the Phoenix to an effective field goal percentage of 0.410 (below their season average of 0.522). With 19 points and 11 rebounds, Northern Kentucky’s Dantez Walton put together a good game.
Northern Kentucky figures to have an edge on the offensive glass in this meeting. The Norse currently rank 97th in offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 percent), while UIC ranks 209th in defensive rebounding percentage (71.5 percent). Also, the 276th-ranked offense of the Flames (offensive efficiency of 98.4) will square off against the 57th-ranked defense of the Norse (defensive efficiency of 95.3).
UIC vs. Northern Kentucky Pick
Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Northern Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
UIC ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.4) while Northern Kentucky ranks 213th (2.1).
The Norse average 26.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 27th in the country. The Flames rank 203rd in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
UIC averages 37.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 73rd in the nation. Northern Kentucky ranks 227th in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
The Norse rank 36th in steals per game (8.0) while the Flames rank 175th (5.7).
Northern Kentucky ranks 97th in assists per game (13.7) while UIC ranks 190th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
The Flames’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.4, up from 0.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Norse have scored an average of 63.8 points per game (8.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (0.6 below their season average).