Chicago State vs Northern Colorado Prediction - College Basketball Picks 11/21/23

Chicago State wasn’t able to bounce back versus Southern Illinois in their last game. The Cougars were down 31-22 by halftime and limped to the loss 71-55. Wesley Cardet led the team in scoring with 15 points and six rebounds. Jahsean Corbett added 13 points with eight boards as well.

Northern Colorado Bears

Over on the Bears’ side, they managed a couple of wins in their first two games. First was an 87-58 blowout over Colorado College, then an 81-60 victory versus Northern New Mexico. Last Tuesday Northern Colorado took their first loss 83-64 to Colorado State, posting a tepid 36.9 percent shooting alongside a 44-38 disadvantage on the boards.

Northern Colorado fell again in their most recent game versus New Mexico State, but the result was much closer. The Bears held a 40-28 lead going into the second half but couldn’t hang on in a 76-71 loss. Dejour Reaves led the way on 16 points with five rebounds, while Saint Thomas doubled up on 15 points and 13 boards.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK

I’m going to stay with Northern Colorado. The Bears had a great first half against New Mexico State in their last outing but fell apart after the break. Northern Colorado ended up shooting a solid 43.4 percent from the field with 33 rebounds but only hit 18-of-28 (64.3 percent) from the line and coughed up 18 turnovers. It’ll take a cleaner game to stay in front of the Cougars, but Northern Colorado should be up for it.

Speaking of Chicago State, they hit just two of their nine 3-point shots in the loss to Southern Illinois and fell behind on the glass 36-26. The Cougars can follow along here if they play well, but ultimately it should be the Bears’ cover to take.