Air Force Falcons vs Northern Colorado Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/16/24

The Falcons and Bears are set to face off at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. The Bears will host the game at Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, CO. The over/under for this game is set at 142.5 points, and Northern Colorado is favored by -8.5 against Air Force in a non-conference matchup.

AIR FORCE FALCONS VS NORTHERN COLORADO BEARS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Northern Colorado Bears -8.5

This game will be played at Bank of Colorado Arena at 8:00 ET on Monday, December 16th.

WHY BET THE NORTHERN COLORADO BEARS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-67 in favor of the Bears.
• Not only will Northern Colorado pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -8.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 142.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.

Will the Falcons Win on the Road?

Air Force Falcons Recent Game/Games

Air Force improved to 3-7 on the season with a 69-61 win over Stony Brook on Saturday. Playing at home, the Falcons entered the game as -5.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

Air Force led 27-23 at halftime and scored 42 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38. The total points for the game were 130, just under the 130.5 O/U line.

Air Force’s offense put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 57.1% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 64.3%, thanks in large part to their 75% shooting on two-point attempts.

From beyond the arc, the Falcons hit 6 of 18 threes, shooting 33.3%. They also connected on 15 of 19 free throws, good for 78.9%. CJ Luster II led the way with 27 points, while Wesley Celichowski added 22, hitting 2 of 4 from deep.

Air Force’s defense gave up 61 points, allowing the opposing team to shoot 57% from the field on 24/42 shooting. Inside the arc, they were particularly vulnerable, with the other team hitting 75% of their two-point attempts (18/24).

From three-point range, the opposing team shot 33%, making 6 of 18 attempts. Air Force also sent them to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 15 free throws for 78%. The Falcons limited second-chance opportunities, giving up just 4 offensive rebounds.

Will Northern Colorado Come Through as Home Favorites?

The Bears dropped to 3-5 on the season after an 82-70 road loss to North Dakota State on Saturday. Northern Colorado entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 152, just over the 151.5 O/U line.

Trailing 37-34 at halftime, the Bears couldn’t keep pace in the second half, scoring 36 points while allowing 45.

Northern Colorado’s offense struggled from beyond the arc in their last game, hitting just 6 of 38 three-point attempts for a 15.8% shooting percentage. Overall, they shot 36.1% from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 40.3%. Their two-point shooting was much better, as they connected on 58.8% of their attempts inside the arc.

Isaiah Hawthorne led the Bears with 19 points and 10 rebounds, despite shooting just 1 of 8 from three-point range. Jacksen Moni contributed 18 points on 6 of 9 shooting, while Jaron Rillie added 15 points. Masen Miller was the team’s most efficient shooter from deep, hitting 3 of 4 three-point attempts.

Despite Northern Colorado’s defensive efforts, they allowed 82 points on 53% shooting from the field. The opposing team found success inside, hitting 62% of their two-point attempts, going 20/32.

From beyond the arc, Northern Colorado gave up 9 threes on 22 attempts, a 40% shooting rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 15 free throws at a 78% rate.