Nicholls Colonels vs Northern Kentucky Norse Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Nicholls vs Northern Kentucky NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Highland Heights.

Nicholls vs Northern Kentucky Prediction

Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Colonels and Norse. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on ESPN+, and it's hosted by the Norse at Truist Arena in Highland Heights, KY. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 142 points, with Northern Kentucky being favored by -6.5 over Nicholls.

Nicholls vs. Northern Kentucky Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Nicholls Colonels at Northern Kentucky Norse
Where: Highland Heights at Truist Arena
Date: Thursday, November 14th
Betting Odds NKENT -6.5, NICHLS +195 | NKENT -245 O/U 142

Colonels Preview: Will the Colonels Find a Way to Win on the Road?

Nicholls Colonels Recent Game/Games

The Colonels dropped their season opener at home, losing 70-64 to South Alabama on Friday. Nicholls entered the game as -5.5 favorites but couldn’t cover the spread.

After trailing 30-24 at halftime, Nicholls scored 40 points in the 2nd half but also allowed 40 points. The game’s total points of 134 fell short of the 151.5 O/U line.

Colonels Offense Breakdown

The Colonels struggled offensively, shooting just 34.9% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc in their last game. Their effective field goal percentage was 44.4%, and they hit only 61.5% of their free throws.

Ike Cornish and Myles Corey each scored 18 points, with Cornish hitting 6 threes at a 46.2% rate. Brian Myles and Dylan Fasoyiro added 17 points, while Judah Brown contributed 15, hitting 5 of 8 threes.

Colonels Team Defense

Even with a strong defensive effort, the Nicholls Colonels couldn't keep their opponent under 70 points, as they allowed 70 points on 34% shooting from the field. The Colonels held their opponent to 37% shooting from two-point range, with 10 made baskets on 27 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Nicholls' defense gave up 12 three-pointers on 36 attempts, a 33% shooting performance. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 13 times, where they converted 8 free throws, shooting 61%.

Norse Preview: Can the Norse Grab a Win at Home?

Northern Kentucky Norse Recent Game/Games

The Norse dropped their season opener on Friday, falling 72-50 to Purdue on the road. Entering the game as +20.5 point underdogs, Northern Kentucky not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 122, well under the O/U line of 147.5.

Northern Kentucky trailed 37-24 at halftime and couldn’t mount a comeback, scoring 26 points in the 2nd half while allowing 35. They’ll look to regroup after a tough start to the season.

Norse Offense Breakdown

Northern Kentucky struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 29.8% from the field and 21.7% from three-point range, finishing with 50 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 35.1%, and they hit 12 of 34 two-point attempts, good for 35.3%.

Fletcher Loyer led the way with 16 points, hitting 4 of 5 threes and shooting 66.7% overall. Trey Kaufman-Renn added 14 points, making 4 of 5 shots, while Braden Smith contributed 11 points and 7 assists, connecting on 3 of 7 from beyond the arc.

Norse Team Defense

Despite Northern Kentucky's defensive efforts, they allowed 72 points on 52% shooting from the field. Their opponent was particularly effective inside, hitting 62% of their two-point attempts (18/29).

From beyond the arc, Northern Kentucky gave up 9 threes on 22 attempts, a 40% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the line 14 times, where they converted 9 free throws (64%).

Colonels vs Norse Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Nicholls has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 77 points per game while allowing 74. The team also performed well vs the spread at 5-0.
When looking at their past ten home matchups, Northern Kentucky has an ATS record of 6-4 while averaging 69 per game. The team went 4-6 overall in these games.
Looking back on the team's last five games as the underdog, the Colonels have a straight up record of 2-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 4-1.
Against the spread, the Norse have put together 1-2 in their last three games as the betting favorite. In these same games, they went 2-1 straight up.