Northern Kentucky vs Oakland Picks and Prediction – 2/1/2025

Northern Kentucky enters this matchup at 9-13 overall and 4-7 in Horizon League play, struggling through a six-game losing streak. In the most recent outing, the Norse suffered a 79-59 home defeat to Milwaukee, a game in which they allowed 50% shooting from the field. Offensively, Trey Robinson leads the way with 15.2 points per game while shooting 48.0% from the floor. The Norse average 68.3 points per game, but 41.7% shooting has hindered the scoring output. Sam Vinson averages 4.0 assists per game, but the lack of consistent scoring from secondary options has been an issue. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Defensively, Northern Kentucky allows 70.7 points per game, struggling to contain opponents. Opposing teams have found success attacking inside, as the Norse have struggled with interior defense. Keeyan Itejere provides a presence in the paint, leading the team with 1.7 blocks per game, but rebounding remains a concern, with the team averaging just 34.4 boards per game. The Norse generate 8.2 steals per contest, with Vinson leading in that category at 1.8 per game. 

Oakland comes into this game with a 10-13 record, but a 7-5 mark in conference play puts them in a much stronger position than Northern Kentucky. The Golden Grizzlies are coming off a 73-71 road loss to Robert Morris, snapping a three-game win streak. Tuburu Naivalurua leads Oakland with 13.4 points per game while shooting 57.1% from the field. Oakland’s offense has been inconsistent, averaging 66.2 points per game on 41.8% shooting.

Defensively, Oakland allows 68.8 points per game, showing slightly better resistance than Northern Kentucky. Rebounding is a strength for the Golden Grizzlies, as they hold a slight edge with 35.0 boards per game, led by Naivalurua’s 8.0 rebounds per contest. The team struggles in generating turnovers, averaging only 6.8 steals per game, but they have done well in keeping opponents under control. Jaylen Jones leads the team in assists with 3.2 per game.

Northern Kentucky’s recent struggles on both ends of the court make it hard to trust them in this matchup. Oakland has a slight statistical advantage across the board and already defeated the Norse 68-53 earlier this month. With better rebounding and home-court advantage, the Golden Grizzlies should take care of business again. Final Score Prediction: Oakland wins and covers 72-64.