Northern Kentucky vs Cleveland State Prediction 3/6/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Northern Kentucky vs Cleveland State Prediction for this college basketball game on Thursday, March 6th, at the Wolstein Center. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Norse’s recent form and recent player performance 

-The Vikings’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Northern Kentucky

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Cleveland State 

-Recent betting trends in games played between Northern Kentucky and Cleveland State

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Norse and Vikings. 

This is a Horizon League tournament game. Cleveland State is the two seed, while Northern Kentucky is the 7th seed. The home team has won the last four games played between the two teams. When these two teams faced off on February 5th it was Northern Kentucky that secured the 85-75 victory. 

What a Win for Northern Kentucky

Northern Kentucky has been playing well heading into this game, and they have won five games in a row. Two games ago against Youngstown State, Northern Kentucky secured the 99-75 victory. In the first game of this tournament, they faced off against Detroit Mercy, and they picked up a 99-75 win. At halftime, they were up 49-37, and in the second half, they added another 50 points. Dan Gherezgher had a strong game, putting up 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Four different players put up at least 16 points. 

Northern Kentucky has a 17-15 record overall, and they have gone 12-19 against the spread. As of late, Northern Kentucky’s offense has been strong, and they have done a good job of pushing the pace. Northern Kentucky averages 72.1 points, while their defense gives up 72.2 points per game. Trey Robinson is averaging 15.8 points while shooting 58.7 percent from the field and 30 percent from behind the three-point line. Three different players are averaging at least 10 points per game. 

Why Northern Kentucky Will Beat Cleveland State

• Northern Kentucky has won each of its last five games.
• Northern Kentucky has won the first half in eight of its last nine Conference Tournament games.

Cleveland State Looks for Second Straight Win

Cleveland State has been a little inconsistent as of late, but they are coming off a victory in the last game. The Vikings hosted Fort Wayne, and the defense gave up only 57 points on the way to the 11-point victory. They gave up only 24 points in the first half, which was the difference in the win. Guard Tevin Smith had a huge game, putting up 17 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Four different players ended up putting up at least 10 points. Two games ago against Wright State, it wasn’t as strong, and the defense gave up 82 points on the way to the defeat. 

Cleveland State sits with a 20-11 record overall and they have gone 16-12-1 against the spread. Cleveland State averages 73.6 points, while their defense gives up 66.4 points per game. The defense overall this season has been good, and they are going to need the defense to be strong here. If the defense struggles, this could end up being a long game. Guard Tevin Smith is averaging 13.8 points while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Northern Kentucky vs Cleveland State Prediction

Northern Kentucky has been running up the score against everyone, and there is no reason to believe it will change here. Yes, Cleveland State has been a good defensive team overall, but I don’t believe success will continue here. Northern Kentucky’s offense scored 99 points against Detroit Mercy in the last game. Although they might not reach that number here, they will find plenty of offensive success. Northern Kentucky is 4-1 against the spread in their last five games. Back Northern Kentucky against the spread here. 

Shane Mickle's Pick: Northern Kentucky +4.5