Montana Grizzlies vs Northern Iowa Panthers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/16/24
Betting on today’s Grizzlies and Panthers game? Catch the action at McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, IA, as the Panthers hosts this showdown at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 145 points, with Northern Iowa being favored by -9.5 over Montana.
MONTANA GRIZZLIES VS NORTHERN IOWA PANTHERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Montana Grizzlies +9.5
This game will be played at McLeod Center at 8:00 ET on Monday, December 16th.
WHY BET THE MONTANA GRIZZLIES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-72 in favor of the Panthers.
- Even though we have Northern Iowa winning straight-up, we like Montana at +9.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 145 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Will the Grizzlies Win in Cedar Falls?
Montana’s season record dropped to 4-4 after an 88-81 loss to St. Thomas (MN) on Saturday. The Grizzlies entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 169, surpassing the O/U line of 145.
Montana trailed 40-39 at halftime and scored 42 points in the 2nd half, but they allowed 48 points in the final period, which ultimately led to their defeat.
Montana’s offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring 81 points with a 52.5% field goal percentage and an effective field goal percentage of 62.7%. They connected on 50% of their three-point attempts, hitting 12 of 24 from deep, and were 77.8% from the free-throw line. The Grizzlies dished out 22 assists, though they managed just 5 offensive rebounds.
Malik Moore led the way, scoring 30 points on 11 of 13 shooting, including 6 of 7 from three-point range. Nolan Minessale and Kendall Blue each added 22 points, with Blue hitting 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. Miles Barnstable and Drake Dobbs also contributed, with Dobbs adding 6 assists to his 14 points.
Montana’s defense struggled, giving up 88 points on 50% shooting from the field. They allowed 20 two-point baskets on 36 attempts, a 55% success rate for the opposing team.
From beyond the arc, Montana’s opponents hit 9 of 22 threes, shooting 40%. They also sent the other team to the line 25 times, where they converted 21 free throws (84%). Montana gave up 8 offensive rebounds.
Do the Panthers Have a Shot at a Home Win?
Northern Iowa Panthers Recent Game/Games
The Panthers improved to 5-4 on the season with a 78-58 home win over the Mavericks on Friday, December 13th. Northern Iowa entered the game as 14-point favorites and covered the spread with the 20-point victory.
Leading 34-23 at halftime, the Panthers scored 44 points in the 2nd half while allowing 35. The combined points for the game were 136, falling short of the O/U line of 142.
Northern Iowa put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 47.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54.3%. They hit 42.9% from three-point range, connecting on 6 of 14 attempts, and were strong from the free-throw line, making 80% of their 35 attempts.
Jacob Hutson and Trey Campbell led the way, with Hutson scoring 21 points and adding 5 assists, while Campbell contributed 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 made threes at a 66.7% clip. The Panthers finished with 14 assists and just 5 offensive rebounds in the game.
Despite Northern Iowa giving up 47% shooting from the field, they held their opponent to 58 points. The Panthers allowed 16 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 50% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, Northern Iowa’s defense conceded 6 three-pointers on 14 attempts, with the opposing team shooting 42%. The Panthers also sent their opponent to the line 35 times, where they made 28 free throws, shooting 80%. Northern Iowa limited offensive rebounds, giving up just 5.