Blog Partner: https://scheels.sjv.io/g1BanO (Caitlin Clark Never A Long Shot and You Break It, You Own It T-Shirts Available Now)
YTD Best Bet: 3-2
Best Bet: Indiana State -7.5 vs. Northern Iowa
After a downward spiral during the middle of the season, the Sycamores have been absolutely rolling as of late. They have won seven out of their last nine games and have covered in six of their last nine. They were ranked in the top 25 at one point this year, and they have done this because of their offense. Indiana State is one of the top offenses in the country this year scoring a very impressive 84.1 ppg. They have four starters averaging over 12.0 ppg, and that balanced scoring attack has made it near impossible for opponents to guard them. The one person to watch out for is Indiana State's big man Robbie Avila. He is currently leading the team with 17.4 ppg and also hauling down 6.8 rpg. Northern Iowa's big man, Jacob Hutson has allowed the big men he has guarded against to score 14 or more points in the last three games. I think Avila is going to be a problem against Hutson and is going to make the difference in this matchup. Meanwhile, Northern Iowa is not as good defensively as people may believe. They are allowing 71 ppg, while also allowing their opponents to shoot 44.6% from the field (205th in CBB). A lot of things are pointing in Indiana State's way, but there is one thing that has me sold on the Sycamores. 64% of the public is betting on Northern Iowa, but the line has not shifted. If that much of the public is on Northern Iowa, the line should shift in their favor. To me, that is showing that smart money is on Indiana State, and I think they beat UNI handily.
