The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (2-3) and Northern Colorado Bears (2-4) will face off Saturday at the Lobo Classic in Albuquerque. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET in The Pit. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Jacksonville State vs. Northern Colorado odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
G Skyelar Potter leads 3 Jacksonville State players in double-figure scoring at 13.6 points per game, while G Dalton Knecht (17.0 PPG), G Daniel Kountz (15.7 PPG) and G Matt Johnson II (13.7) head the Northern Colorado attack.
While the Bears are used to playing at a high elevation with their home court more than 4,200 feet above sea level, the Gamecocks could have some issues dealing with the thin Albuquerque air (5,312 feet above sea level). This could play a large factor in this game for both teams.
The Gamecocks average 74.4 PPG and allow 70.2 PPG, while the Bears score just 66.0 PPG and yield too many points at 79.2 PPG, which ranks 338th in the country. Neither team is effective from the field: Jacksonville State shoots 44.0% and Northern Colorado shoots 39.5%.
This game will be fast-paced with plenty of missed shots for both teams. Whichever team can shoot the 3 better will have the advantage and win. Jacksonville State hits 40.9% of their 3-point attempts, while Norther Colorado struggles at 33.3%.
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Jacksonville State at Northern Colorado odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:21 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Jacksonville State +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Northern Colorado -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Jacksonville State +2.5 (-115) | Northern Colorado -2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Jacksonville State at Northern Colorado picks and predictions
Prediction
Jacksonville State 77, Northern Colorado 75
Moneyline
BET JACKSONVILLE STATE (+120).
I’m surprised the Gamecocks are underdogs. They’re the higher scoring team with the better defense. I see them winning this game outright, making this my FAVORITE PLAY in this neutral-site matchup.
Against the spread
If you want the safety of taking 2.5 points, split up part of your ML wager and bet it on Jacksonville State +2.5 (-115).
Over/Under
BET OVER 146.5 (-110).
Both teams should reach 70 points in this game. Jacksonville State could get to 80, which should help an OVER 146.5 (-110) ticket cash.
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