Charleston vs Northern Kentucky Prediction 12/21/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Charleston Cougars and the Northern Kentucky Norse meet Sunday in college basketball action from the Truist Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Charleston Cougars vs. Northern Kentucky Norse prediction.

Charleston Cougars Recap

The Charleston Cougars come into this game looking to add on to their 82-78 win over the Citadel last time out to sit at 6-6 this season. After this game, Charleston will head home for a game against Drexel.

Cougars Win Back-To-Back Games

Connor Hickman has 13.7 PPG with 4.2 RPG and Jlynn Counter has 12.5 PPG along with 4.5 RPG and a team-high 3.6 APG to lead the Cougars in assists as well. Martin Kalu has 11.7 PPG with 5.3 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Charleston so far this season. Chol Machot has 9.7 PPG with a 5.2 RPG and Christian Reeves has 7.8 RPG to lead the Cougars in rebounding. As a team, Charleston is averaging 73.9 PPG on 41.8% shooting from the field, 27.1% from three and 72.1% from the foul line this season.

Northern Kentucky Norse Recap

The Northern Kentucky Norse come into this game looking to rebound from an 82-77 loss at the hands of Oakland last time out to sit at 9-4 this season. After this game, NKU will head on the road for a game against Robert Morris.

Norse Have Two-Game Win Streak Snapped

Dan Gherezgher has 17.7 PPG with 2.9 RPG to lead the Norse in scoring while Donovan Oday has 15.7 PPG with 4.3 RPG. Kael Robinson has 15.8 PPG with 4.1 RPG and LJ Wells has 12.9 PPG with 8.1 RPG to lead the Norse on the glass and to round out the group of double-digit scorers for Northern Kentucky up to this point in the year. Ethan Elliott has a team-high 4.6 APG while Tae Dozier has 8.5 PPG and 3.8 RPG as well this season. As a team, Northern Kentucky is averaging 85.8 PPG on 48.3% shooting from the field, 35.2% from three and 72% from the foul line so far this season.

College of Charleston Cougars @ Northern Kentucky Norse Betting Trends: December 21, 2025

Why the Northern Kentucky Norse will win

• Northern Kentucky has won each of its last nine day games against non-Conference opponents at Truist Arena.
• Northern Kentucky has won the first half in six of its last seven day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the College of Charleston Cougars will win

• College of Charleston has won four of its last five day games against non-Conference opponents.
• College of Charleston has won the first half in eight of its last 10 day games.

Total Points Facts

• Six of Northern Kentucky’s last seven day games have produced a total of 151+ points.
• Four of College of Charleston’s last five day games have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Northern Kentucky ranks T21st among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (10.0).
• Northern Kentucky ranks 22nd among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (16.2).
• College of Charleston ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (27.2%).
• College of Charleston ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (64.1%).

Charleston Cougars vs. Northern Kentucky Norse Prediction

I’m on Northern Kentucky in this game. This just isn’t the same Charleston team of years past that has been a consistent tournament team and a consistent threat in the CAA. Northern Kentucky has been rock solid at home this season and have been picking up some strong wins left and right and I think the Norse nail Charleston at home here. Give me the Norse in this one.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Northern Kentucky -2.5