Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction 1/18/25 College Basketball Picks

The Central Michigan Chippewas and Northern Illinois Huskies meet Saturday in college basketball action at the NIU Convocation Center. Here’s a Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction. This article will include a Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Pick.

Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview

The Central Michigan Chippewas lost to Toledo, beat Eastern Michigan, and they play Ball State, Western Michigan, and Buffalo next. The Central Michigan Chippewas are averaging 73.4 points on 45.1 percent shooting and allowing 70.3 points on 42.1 percent shooting. Jakobi Heady is averaging 14 points and 1.9 assists, while Ugnius Jarusevicius is averaging 13.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. Anthony Pritchard is the third double-digit scorer and Kyler Vanderjagt is grabbing 2.1 rebounds. The Central Michigan Chippewas are shooting 30.8 percent from beyond the arc and 72.2 percent from the free throw line. The Central Michigan Chippewas are allowing 30.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.8 rebounds per game.

Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Preview

The Northern Illinois Huskies lost to Ohio and Miami OH, and they play Western Michigan, Ball State, and Akron next. The Northern Illinois Huskies are averaging 70.8 points on 40.5 percent shooting and allowing 76.8 points on 45.2 percent shooting. Quentin Jones is averaging 16.1 points and 4.3 rebounds, while James Dent Jr. is averaging 12.8 points and 5 rebounds. Quaran McPherson is the third double-digit scorer and Ethan Butler is grabbing 4.2 rebounds. The Northern Illinois Huskies are shooting 32.1 percent from beyond the arc and 70.6 percent from the free throw line. The Northern Illinois Huskies are allowing 37.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.2 rebounds per game.

Why the Northern Illinois Huskies will win

• Central Michigan has lost five of its last six road games against Conference opponents.
• Northern Illinois has won four of its last five games against Central Michigan following a home loss.
• Central Michigan has lost the first half in six of its last eight games.

Why the Central Michigan Chippewas will win

• Northern Illinois has lost each of its last nine day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Central Michigan has won the first half in four of its last five day games against the Mid-American Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Northern Illinois’ last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 141+ points.
• Each of Central Michigan’s last three road day games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 148+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Northern Illinois ranks 31st among Division 1 teams for pace this season (72.2).
• Northern Illinois ranks 39th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (27.9).

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Injury Report

Neither Central Michigan nor Northern Illinois have a player listed on its injury report.

Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois Prediction

The Northern Illinois Huskies are going nowhere fast, as they not only have four wins on the season, but they’ve lost four straight games and have allowed 192 points in their last two games. It doesn’t really matter what you think of the Central Michigan Chippewas, backing Northern Illinois isn’t an option. Central Michigan shoots the ball at an above-average clip, and that’s bad news for a Northern Illinois defense that’s allowing teams to do whatever they want. Thick line for a road team, but that’s just how bad things are going for Northern Illinois. I’ll lay the points with the Chippewas.