Akron Zips vs Northern Kentucky Norse Betting Pick & Prediction 12/9/23

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Zips and Norse. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Norse at Truist Arena in Highland Heights, KY. Get ready to place your bets! In this non-conference matchup, the Zips are the betting favorite against the Norse. The over/under for the game is 134.5 points.

AKRON ZIPS VS NORTHERN KENTUCKY NORSE BETTING PICK

The Pick: Northern Kentucky Norse +2.5

This game will be played at Truist Arena at 7:00 ET on Saturday, December 9th.

WHY BET THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY NORSE:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-68 in favor of the Norse.
• Not only will Northern Kentucky pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +2.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 134.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 143 points.

Can the Zips Deliver Being Favored on the Road?

The Akron Zips currently have a record of 5-3 as they prepare to face Northern Kentucky. In their last five road games, which includes last year, Akron has gone 2-3. Analyzing Akron’s ATS performance, they currently hold a 3-3 record heading into today’s game. In their last five games, the team has gone 2-3 vs. the spread.

Akron comes in with an over/under record of 3-3-0 through eight games, with their games averaging a combined 139.5 points per game so far. The Zips have seen their last five games conclude with a collective average of 134 points per game and an over/under record of 2-3.

The Akron offense is coming off a game in which they scored 70 points vs. UNLV. Overall their field goal percentage was 46.3% while connecting on 8 threes. Enrique Freeman is the current leading scorer for the team, with an average of 17.8 as they approach today’s matchup. In addition, Sammy Hunter brings a PPG average of 11.1 into the game.

At present, the Zips’ defense is nationally ranked 56th, allowing 65.5 points per game. Akron’s defense is coming off a game in which they allowed the UNLV offense to knock down 48% of their shots on their way to putting up 72 points.

Will the Norse Find a Way to Win at Home?

After defeating IUPUI by a score of 71-55, Northern Kentucky’s overall record now stands at 5-4. In their previous ten home games, including those from last year, Northern Kentucky has a home record of 9-1. As of today’s game, Northern Kentucky has a 4-4 record against the spread. In their previous five games, they are 3-2 vs. the spread.

Up to this point, games involving Northern Kentucky have had an average of 138.6 points per game, with the average over/under line set at 138.2 points. Their over/under record is 4-4-0. The Norse’s last five games have finished with a combined 135 points per game and an over/under record of 2-3.

Coming off their recent game, the Northern Kentucky offense tallied 71 points in a matchup against IUPUI. Their field goal percentage for the game was 52.9%, and they made 5 threes. Leading the team in scoring was Marques Warrick with 24 points. Sam Vinson also added 13 points for the Norse.

Coming into today’s game, the Northern Kentucky defense is giving up an average of 69.8 points per contest. Northern Kentucky’s three-point defense is currently 53rd in the country at 5.6 made threes per game. In terms of overall field goal percentage, opponets have hit 44.7% of their shots vs. Northern Kentucky.