Northern Kentucky vs Washington Odds, Pick
| Northern Kentucky Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -105 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | +750 |
| Washington Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12 -115 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | -1200 |
A matchup in Seattle commences on Thursday, featuring two teams whose first games had mixed results. Northern Kentucky got blitzed by Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro, losing 74-57. On the other hand, Washington looked terrific against a formidable foe in Bellarmine, blowing out the Knights in convincing fashion.
For Northern Kentucky vs Washington odds and a pick — including an NCAAB betting guide for Thursday, Nov. 9 — read below.
Northern Kentucky Norse
When digging deeper into Northern Kentucky’s numbers against Middle Tennessee, the game looked pretty even — until you see the 3-point disparity. The Norse shot an unimpressive 3-of-14 from 3, while Middle Tennessee drilled 10-of-27 shots from outside.
Northern Kentucky plays zone primarily — which makes it susceptible to allowing the 3 ball — but that disparity in shooting percentages is uncommon.
The Norse didn't play well enough to beat Middle Tennessee, though I don't think the final score is indicative of the closeness in shooting percentages.
I’m concerned about NKU’s offense long-term, as rebounding-menace Chris Brandon created a ton of second-chances on offensive boards. He’s gone, and nobody has emerged as his replacement. Maybe there isn’t one, which means a third-scorer outside of Marques Warrick and Sam Vinson must emerge.
However, Northern Kentucky participated in the NCAA tournament last season, so there's no shortage of winning tradition at NKU.
The formula for mid-major teams to give high-majors a scare includes having a dominant scoring option. Warrick certainly fits the billing, as he's someone that’s averaged 15+ points in each season of his college career.
Northern Kentucky will need a vintage Warrick performance in order to put the Huskies on edge.
Washington Huskies
Washington convincingly slammed Bellarmine, pulling out the 91-57 victory.
What's even more impressive is Washington wasn't even close to being fully healthy. They were without Sahvir Wheeler and star freshman Wesley Yates III. Also, presumed starting center Braxton Meah barely played.
So, pay attention to which Huskies will actually play in this one — or maybe it won't matter.
Sophomore guard Koren Johnson put together a terrific performance to begin his second campaign, scoring 25 points on efficient shooting percentages. If Johnson winds up pacing all other Washington guards in scoring, the team might actually be good.
Paul Mulcahy made the offense look functional. The Rutgers transfer did what he does best: fill up the stat sheet with nine points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Washington finally has a floor general in Mulcahy, who can set up Johnson and Keion Brooks Jr. — the star scorers of the team — and focus less on scoring himself.
That's a major plus for the Huskies moving forward.
Despite not having its full arsenal of weapons, Washington is a nightmare matchup for smaller mid-majors like Bellarmine and NKU. Four of the Huskies' five starters are 6-foot-5 or bigger and three are 6-foot-8 or bigger.
Also, foul trouble isn't an issue with three reliable post-options in Wilhelm Breidenbach, Franck Kepnang and a potentially healthy Meah.
Northern Kentucky vs. Washington
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Huskies have a solid mix of size, shooting and playmaking ability to combat the Norse's zone defense. I expect Brooks or Moses Wood to get comfortable in the middle of the zone and make decisions for the offense.
Moreover, the offensive concerns and lack of size on Northern Kentucky's side could make for a long night in Seattle.
My pick is the Huskies will improve to 2-0 against the spread.
I'm trying not to throw out rash reactions after one game against a team Washington should beat 98% of the time. That said, Washington's defensive activity and length is noticeable, and the offense is more than talented enough to sit near the NCAA tournament bubble this season.
I was highly encouraged after just one game.
Pick: Washington -11.5
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