The Idaho State Bengals (11-19, 8-9 Big Sky) and Northern Colorado Bears (10-19, 5-12) tussle in a Big Sky Conference showdown Monday. The contest at Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley it set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Idaho State vs. Northern Colorado odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Idaho State picked up its 2nd straight win with a 71-63 victory at home over Eastern Washington Saturday. The Bengals defeated the Bears 90-83 in overtime at home Dec. 31, leveraging a 31-of-35 performance at the free-throw line to do so.
The Bears lost to Northern Arizona 85-82 Saturday and head into Monday’s home test having lost 3 in a row. Saturday’s loss snapped a 4-game home win streak. Northern Colorado has had some big perimeter-shooting games on its home hardwood.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Can you survive? New pro and college basketball survivor pools are here at USA TODAY Sports! Free to play; terms and conditions apply. Join now!
Idaho 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 8:05 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Idaho State +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Northern Colorado -270 (bet $270 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Idaho State +5.5 (+100) | Northern Colorado -5.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Catch the excitement and bet with Tipico
Double Down, Ohio! Deposit $200, Get $250. Bet now!
In Colorado and New Jersey, claim your 100% Deposit Match up to $250 now. Bet now! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions.
Idaho State at Northern Colorado picks and predictions
Prediction
Northern Colorado 78, Idaho State 68
Moneyline
Northern Colorado (-270) should pick up the victory on their home hardwood, but you shouldn’t wager nearly 3 times your potential return on a moneyline.
AVOID.
Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Against the spread
UNC has done some of its better work against teams that don’t defend the interior well, and Idaho State fits that bill.
In a clash of pace (UNC fast, ISU slow), it’s notable that the Bengals are 1-3 ATS against the other fast teams in the conference such as Eastern Washington and Portland State. Four Bears fouled out in the 1st meeting, and UNC led that game by 9 late in the 1st half. Look for more of a boat race in Monday’s return game.
BACK NORTHERN COLORADO -5.5 (-120).
Over/Under
No lean on a fair number. PASS.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this basketball game or any other sports contest? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]