Northern Kentucky vs Cleveland State Picks and Prediction – 1/7/2024

In the world of Horizon League basketball, a tantalizing matchup is set to unfold at the Wolstein Center on January 7th at 4:00 PM ET. The Northern Kentucky Norse, with an 8-7 record, are ready to clash with the Cleveland State Vikings, who boast a 10-6 record. This game is not just a battle for league supremacy; it's a showcase of two teams with distinct strengths and weaknesses, making for an intriguing contest. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Northern Kentucky Norse come into this game with a solid record but face challenges on the road, where the Norse have struggled with a 2-6 away record. The Norse's offense, led by Marques Warrick averaging 19.0 points per game, has shown moments of brilliance. Michael Bradley, dishing out 4.8 assists per game, has been the engine of the team's offense, ensuring efficient ball movement. 

However, field goal percentage at 45.3% (130th) and a 3-point percentage of 31.0% (264th) highlight room for improvement in shooting accuracy. On the defensive end, the Norse have been more forgiving, allowing opponents to score an average of 71.5 points per game. The Norse will miss the defensive prowess of Sam Vinson, out for the season with a knee injury.

Cleveland State Vikings, on the other hand, have been a force to reckon with at home, holding an unblemished 8-0 record at the Wolstein Center. Tristan Enaruna, leading the team with 17.3 points, 2.8 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game, has been the cornerstone of the team’s success. The Vikings' offense averages 76.3 points per game (157th), bolstered by 37.3% efficiency from beyond the arc (43rd). 

However, free-throw shooting at 65.2% (329th) could be a potential Achilles' heel. Defensively, the Vikings are on par with NKU, allowing 70.9 points per game. KJ Debrick's absence due to a knee injury is a significant blow to Cleveland State’s defense.