Northern Arizona vs Northern Colorado Picks and Prediction – 2/1/2025

Northern Arizona enters this matchup with a 13-8 record and sits at 4-4 in conference play. The Lumberjacks are coming off an 80-72 road win over Idaho, marking the second straight victory. Offensively, Trent McLaughlin leads the team with 21.5 points per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. His scoring has been key in the Lumberjacks' 78.6 points per game output. Carson Towt dominates the glass, averaging 12.3 rebounds, while Jayden Jackson is the playmaker with 3.9 assists per contest. The team moves the ball well, averaging 16.3 assists, but a 46.2% field goal percentage suggests some inefficiency compared to top-tier offenses. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Defensively, Northern Arizona allows 70.5 points per game, a solid mark but one that will be tested against a strong Northern Colorado attack. The Lumberjacks average 6.1 steals per game, with McLaughlin leading in that category at 1.6 per contest. The interior defense has room for improvement, with only 1.9 blocks per game, largely due to a lack of elite shot-blockers. 

Northern Colorado has been one of the stronger teams in conference play, sitting at 15-6 overall and 7-1 in conference matchups. The Bears are coming off a 67-62 road win over Eastern Washington, bouncing back from a close loss to Idaho. Offensively, they have been efficient, averaging 81.4 points while shooting an impressive 50.7% from the field. Isaiah Hawthorne leads the scoring effort with 17.6 points per game, shooting 48.2% and 86.0% from the free throw line. Jaron Rillie has been the primary playmaker, dishing out 4.9 assists per game, and Hawthorne leads the rebounding effort with 5.7 boards per contest.

On the defensive end, Northern Colorado has had some issues, allowing 74.0 points per game. The rebounding numbers are not great at 34.4 per game, which could be a problem against a Lumberjacks team that hits the glass hard. However, the Bears have been active in forcing turnovers, averaging 6.5 steals per game, with Hawthorne leading in that department. 

Northern Colorado has been the stronger and more efficient team this season. The ability to score at a high level while maintaining a 50.7% shooting percentage will be tough for Northern Arizona to handle, especially given the Lumberjacks’ average interior defense. While Northern Arizona has a rebounding edge, the Bears’ home-court advantage and superior offense should push them to victory. Final Score Prediction: Northern Colorado wins and covers 83-75.