Northern Kentucky vs Oakland Picks and Prediction – 1/11/2024

As the Northern Kentucky Norse clash with the Oakland Golden Grizzlies on January 10th at 6:00 PM in the OU Credit Union O'rena, we are gearing up for an enthralling Horizon League matchup. The Norse, standing at 8-8 overall and 3-2 in the conference, face a challenging road game against the 9-8 Golden Grizzlies, who boast a 4-2 conference record. With pivotal standings implications on the line, this game is a must-watch on ESPN+. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Northern Kentucky Norse bring a balanced attack to the hardwood, led by the offensive prowess of Marques Warrick, who's averaging 19.7 points per game. However, shooting efficiency from beyond the arc and the charity stripe leaves room for improvement, with a 3-point percentage of 32.1% and free throw percentage at 68.8%. 

Defensively, the Norse need to tighten up, allowing an average of 72.5 points per game. Recent form, losing three of the last five games, shows some vulnerability, particularly in an 88-85 overtime defeat to Cleveland State. NKU's success in this matchup hinges on the ability to control the tempo and leverage Warrick's scoring ability while shoring up the defense.

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies, led by Trey Townsend's all-around excellence (17.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG), pose a formidable threat, especially at home. Townsend, also leading in assists and steals, has been a linchpin for the Grizzlies, who've won three of the last five games, showcasing an uptrend in form. Oakland's offensive output slightly edges the Norse with 74.4 points per game, and field goal percentage stands at a respectable 44.8%. 

However, the Golden Grizzlies' defensive stats, allowing 75.3 points per game, suggest some vulnerability that NKU could exploit. Oakland's key to victory lies in maintaining offensive rhythm and exploiting NKU's weaker 3-point defense, while also improving their own defense to handle the Norse's attacks.