Eastern Michigan Eagles vs Northern Illinois Huskies Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Ypsilanti.

Northern Illinois vs Eastern Michigan Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Huskies versus the Eagles? Tip off is at at 2:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, MI. The over/under for this game is set at 146.5 points, and Eastern Michigan is favored by -7.5 vs. Northern Illinois in a Mid-American conference matchup.

Northern Illinois vs. Eastern Michigan Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Northern Illinois Huskies at Eastern Michigan Eagles
Where: Ypsilanti at George Gervin GameAbove Center
Date: Saturday, January 4th
Betting Odds EMICH -7.5, NILL +242 | EMICH -310 O/U 146.5

Huskies Preview: Can Northern Illinois Pull Off a Road Win?

Northern Illinois Huskies Recent Game/Games

The Huskies fell to 1-8 on the season after an 81-60 road loss to Illinois State on Wednesday. Entering the game as +14 point underdogs, Northern Illinois not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 36-28 at halftime, the Huskies allowed 45 points in the 2nd half while scoring 32. The total points for the game were 141, just over the O/U line of 139.5.

Huskies Offense Breakdown

Northern Illinois struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 36.7% from the field and 20.7% from three-point range, hitting 6 of 29 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.7%, but they did connect on 83.3% of their free throws, going 10 for 12.

Quentin Jones led the way with 27 points, shooting 50% overall despite hitting just 1 of 6 from deep. Dalton Banks contributed 17 points on 8 of 10 shooting, while Chase Walker added 15 points, making 5 of 6 shots in just 18 minutes.

Huskies Team Defense

Despite Northern Illinois allowing 81 points, their defense couldn’t contain the opposition, who shot 50% from the field, making 30 of their 60 attempts.

The Huskies gave up 10 threes on 24 attempts, with the other team shooting 41% from beyond the arc. They also sent them to the free-throw line 14 times, where they converted 11 for 78%.

Eagles Preview: Will Eastern Michigan Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?

Eastern Michigan Eagles Recent Game

Eastern Michigan fell to 5-6 on the season after an 86-64 road loss to Davidson on Saturday, December 28th. The Eagles, who entered the game as +14 underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 150, surpassing the over/under line of 143.5.

After trailing 41-21 at halftime, Eastern Michigan managed to score 43 points in the 2nd half but allowed 45 points, preventing any comeback attempt.

Eagles Offense Breakdown

Connor Kochera was unstoppable for Eastern Michigan, pouring in 34 points on 11-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He also contributed 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 36 minutes. Bobby Durkin added 17 points and 5 rebounds, hitting 3 threes, while Da'Sean Nelson chipped in 16 points and 4 rebounds, connecting on his only three-point attempt.

As a team, Eastern Michigan shot 40.4% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range, with an effective field goal percentage of 49.1%. They hit 9-of-12 free throws (75%) and recorded just 4 offensive rebounds, finishing with 12 assists in the game.

Eagles Team Defense

Eastern Michigan's defense struggled, giving up 86 points on 53% shooting from the field. They allowed 26 field goals, including 14 two-pointers at a 56% clip.

From beyond the arc, Eastern Michigan allowed 12 threes on 24 attempts, a 50% rate. They also sent the opposing team to the line 31 times, where they hit 22 free throws (71%).

Huskies vs Eagles Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last ten road games, Northern Illinois has an ATS record of just 5-5. However, their overall record was 2-8 while averaging 66 points per game.
When looking at their past ten home matchups, Eastern Michigan has an ATS record of 5-5 while averaging 62 per game. The team went 5-5 overall in these games.
The last five games that Northern Illinois was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 1-4 while going 0-5 straight up.
In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Eagles have a straight up record of 2-1, while going 1-2 against the spread.