Idaho State vs Northern Arizona Picks and Prediction – 3/10/2024

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In a Big Sky clash, the Idaho State Bengals (12-19, 7-11 Big Sky) face off against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (14-18, 7-11 Big Sky). Both teams are looking to improve in the conference standings following recent losses, with Idaho State coming off a 70-65 defeat to Montana and Northern Arizona losing 82-74 to Northern Colorado. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Idaho State Bengals have had a rollercoaster season, sitting 8th in the Big Sky with a record that hardly tells the whole story. Offensively, the Bengals have averaged 70.6 points per game with a field goal percentage of 46.3%, ranking 87th nationally, which showcases an efficiency in finding the basket. Despite this, three-point shooting and free throw percentages have been areas of concern, at 33.0% and 68.1% respectively. 

Defensively, the Bengals have struggled, allowing an average of 70.2 points per game, and they are particularly vulnerable in defending the basket, ranking 353rd with opponents shooting 47.9% against them. Brayden Parker has been the Bengals best player, leading the team with 14.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, supported by Maleek Arington's 4.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game, highlighting a reliance on these key players to spark the offense and tighten the defense.

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, standing 7th in the Big Sky, have mirrored Idaho State's record in conference play. TheLumberjacks have had ups and downs, with an offense generating 68.9 points per game, but shooting efficiency from both the field and beyond the arc has been lacking, with percentages of 43.7% and 31.1%, placing them towards the lower end nationally. 

Defensive struggles are more pronounced, conceding 76.9 points per game, which hints at difficulties in containing opposing teams. Trenton McLaughlin and Carson Basham have been standout performers for the Lumberjacks, with McLaughlin leading in points (16.7 per game) and Basham in rebounds (6.6 per game) and blocks (1.6 per game), indicating the critical roles on both offense and defense for Northern Arizona.