Rhode Island vs Northwestern Odds
| Rhode Island Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -110 | 134.5 -110o / -110u | +340 |
| Northwestern Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -110 | 134.5 -110o / -110u | -450 |
Below, we have college basketball odds and a pick for Rhode Island vs. Northwestern on Saturday, Nov. 18.
When Rhode Island meets Northwestern on Saturday, we will see two teams trending in the opposite direction.
While Northwestern finds itself undefeated at the moment, it's shown signs of vulnerability, most recently defeating Western Michigan (ranked 305th on KenPom) by just four points at home.
On the other side, Rhode Island is 3-0 to start the year, with comfortable impressive wins over Central Connecticut, Fairfield and Wagner. The Rams will be feeling very good about themselves if they can pull off the upset against the Wildcats.
It will be a contrast in styles as well, as Northwestern likes to play incredibly slow and Rhode Island is willing to run. These two teams' strengths map well with each other's weaknesses, which could set up a very entertaining game that will come down to who can execute what they want to do better than the other.
Rhode Island Rams
When Archie Miller re-entered the coaching world, not many expected him to end up at Rhode Island. The pressure is on after Archie led the Rams to just nine wins last season.
He did what any good coach does in the transfer portal era, though, he immediately re-built the roster into a totally new look. He brought in a brand new backcourt combo of Jaden House and Zek Montgomery, who are currently combining to score 35 points per game this season.
Rhode Island has shot the ball impeccably well from 3 so far, ranking 81st in the country by making 37% of its shots from deep.
Shooting will be important to watch in this one, as Northwestern has been horrible defending the 3. Northwestern is allowing opponents to make 38% of their shots from outside (296th in the nation).
There will be openings on the perimeter, Rhode Island just needs to knock them down.
Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern was one of the best stories in all of college basketball last season, as Chris Collins lost his most talented player Pete Nance — who transferred to North Carolina — and then immediately led Northwestern to the NCAA tournament anyway.
Boo Buie was spectacular last season, and while he lost his running mate Chase Audige, Buie is good enough to beat anyone any given night.
Northwestern excels when pressuring opponents defensively, as it ranks fifth in the nation in forcing turnovers.
Luckily for the Wildcats, Rhode Island is prone to turning it over, currently ranking 238th in the country in preventing turnovers and coughing it up on 20% of its offensive possessions.
Northwestern ranks in the top 10 in the country in both block and steal percentage. This defense is off to a fantastic start and will look to keep the momentum rolling on Saturday.
Rhode Island vs. Northwestern
Betting Pick & Prediction
While the Northwestern defense looks legitimate, the Wildcats' offense has some series issues. Outside of Buie, there aren't enough secondary creators to contribute when plays break down.
Northwestern's four-point win against Western Michigan may be a sign of troubles to come. The Broncos rank 305th in the country on KenPom. Rhode Island is all the way up at 165th.
I'm taking Rhode Island to cover the spread.
Pick: Rhode Island +8.5 (-110)
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