Northern Kentucky Norse vs Illinois State Redbirds Betting Pick & Prediction 12/6/23

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Norse versus the Redbirds? Tip off is at at 8:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at CEFCU Arena in Normal, IL. The odds for this non-conference game currently have the Redbirds as the betting favorite with the over/under line sitting at 133.5 points.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY NORSE VS ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Illinois State Redbirds -2.5

This game will be played at CEFCU Arena at 8:00 ET on Wednesday, December 6th.

WHY BET THE ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-69 in favor of the Redbirds.
• Not only will Illinois State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 133.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 144 points.

Is an Upset Waiting to Happen on the Road?

After their most recent game, a 71-55 win against IUPUI, Northern Kentucky currently has a 5-3 record. In their last ten road games, which includes last year, Northern Kentucky has a 5-5 record. Against the spread, Northern Kentucky is currently sitting above .500 with a 4-3 record. In games away from home, they are 2-2 vs. the spread this season. In their last ten road games, Northern Kentucky has a solid 7-3 ATS record.

Looking at their over/under performance through eight games, Northern Kentucky has an over/under record of 4-3-0, with their games averaging 141.1 points per game on average. When looking at the Norse’s last three games, their over/under record is 1-2, with their games averaging 132 points per game.

The Northern Kentucky offense is coming off a game where they scored 71 points against IUPUI. They posted a field goal percentage of 52.9% and connected on 5 threes. Leading Northern Kentucky in scoring vs. IUPUI was Marques Warrick with his 24 points. Sam Vinson also added 13 points for the Norse.

Currently, the Norse’s defense holds the 116th rank in the nation, allowing 69.8 points per game. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Northern Kentucky’s defense has allowed opponents to shoot 44.7% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 28.4% this season.

Is a Home Win Possible for Illinois State?

Illinois State comes into their game against Northern Kentucky with a 5-3 record on the season. In their last three home games, including last year, Illinois State has a perfect 3-0 record. As Illinois State enters today’s game, their ATS record is 2-4. Looking back at their previous five games, the team has gone 3-2 against the spread.

Illinois State’s games have, on average, featured 132.7 points per game leading to an over/under record of 2-4-0. Their average over/under line is currently 144.4 points so far. When analyzing the Redbirds’ last five games, they have produced a combined average of 132 points per game and an over/under record of 2-3.

Coming off their recent game, the Illinois State offense tallied 69 points in a matchup against UIC. Their field goal percentage for the game was 58.1%, and they made 3 threes. Offensively, the Redbirds hold a season-long field goal percentage of 42%, placing them 347th in the national rankings. When it comes to three-pointers, they are ranked 368th in terms of percentage and 276th in three-pointers made.

The Redbirds’ defense is presently ranked 71st nationally, allowing an average of 66.6 points per contest. Illinois State will look once again to perform well on defense, holding UIC to just 40% shooting in their most recent game.