The Central Michigan Chippewas and Northern Kentucky Norse will meet in a non-conference game. Central Michigan is part of the Mid-American Conference, while Northern Kentucky belongs to the Horizon League. The game will take place at Truist Arena in Highland Heights, KY, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Central Michigan enters the game with a 3-0 record this season. They recently secured victories against Youngstown State, Alma Scot, and Louisiana-Monroe. Key players like Phat Phat Brooks and Keenan Garner have been crucial for the Chippewas, with Brooks scoring 22 points in their last outing against Youngstown State.

Northern Kentucky stands at 2-2 this season, having recently faced losses against Saint Louis and Texas A&M. However, they recorded a win over South Dakota, scoring 102 points. Players like Eric Acker and Willie Foster have shown strong performances, with Acker scoring 22 points and assisting 12 times against South Dakota.

Northern Kentucky vs Central Michigan At a Glance

  • Matchup: Central Michigan Chippewas vs Northern Kentucky Norse
  • Venue: Truist Arena, Highland Heights KY
  • Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET
  • TV Channel: ESPN+
  • Game Odds: Northern Kentucky favored by 3.5 points
  • Records: Central Michigan 3-0, Northern Kentucky 2-2

Northern Kentucky Norse: Ready for a New Challenge

Offensive Strategy

Northern Kentucky scores 79 points per game. The team relies on a fast pace with 77.3 possessions per game, putting them among the quickest in the country. Their field goal percentage sits at 43.9, showing room for improvement.

The team struggles beyond the arc, making only 6.2 threes per game. The three-point shooting percentage is at 30.1, highlighting a key area to address. Free throw shooting stands out, with 20.8 made per game at a strong 77.6%.

Defensive Overview

The Norse average 6.2 steals per game, showing active hands on defense. They block 3.0 shots per game, providing some rim protection. Turnovers are an issue, with the team committing 18.2 per game.

Fouling also poses a challenge, as the team records 19.2 fouls per game. These stats indicate a need for more discipline on defense. Improving these areas could boost their defensive efficiency.

Key Players to Watch

Willie Foster leads with 18.5 points per game. His field goal percentage is 40.7, and he makes 1.8 three-pointers per game. Noah Pagotto follows, contributing 16.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

Eric Acker adds 15.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, showcasing his playmaking ability. BJ Davis-Ray scores 12 points per game and grabs 4.5 rebounds. These players form the core of the team's efforts.

Recent Game Performances

In a recent win against South Dakota, Northern Kentucky scored 102 points. Eric Acker shone with 22 points and 12 assists. Noah Pagotto added 30 points and 4 rebounds.

However, losses to Saint Louis and Texas A&M highlighted some weaknesses. The team struggled with shooting efficiency in these games. Addressing these issues could lead to better results.

Betting Trends

  • SU All Games: 2-2 (50.0%)
  • SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
  • SU as Underdog: 1-2 (33.3%)
  • ATS All Games: 2-2 (50.0%)
  • ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
  • ATS as Underdog: 1-2 (33.3%)
  • O/U All Games: 3-1 (75.0%)

Central Michigan Chippewas Ready for the Next Challenge

Offensive Performance

The Central Michigan Chippewas have shown strong offensive capabilities this season. They average 89 points per game, ranking them 70th in the nation. Their field goal percentage is an impressive 52%, placing them 41st.

They take around 60 shots per game and maintain an effective field goal percentage of 59.2%. This efficiency makes them a tough team to defend. Additionally, their ability to make 39.1% of their three-point attempts adds another dimension to their offensive strategy.

Key Players to Watch

Phat Phat Brooks stands out as a key player for Central Michigan. He averages 19 points per game with a remarkable shooting accuracy of 67.9%. His contributions are vital to the team's scoring success.

Jalen Kampen and Keenan Garner also play significant roles. Kampen averages 10.3 points per game, while Garner contributes 10 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. These players add depth and strength to the Chippewas' lineup.

Defensive Insights

Defensively, Central Michigan averages 7.3 steals and 5 blocks per game. These numbers show that they can disrupt their opponents' offense. However, they also commit 13.3 turnovers per game, which is an area for improvement.

Maintaining discipline on defense will be essential as they look to sustain their winning momentum. Fouling 18 times per game is another aspect they will need to address to limit opponent scoring opportunities.

Recent Game Highlights

The Chippewas recently secured a 91-78 win against Youngstown State. Phat Phat Brooks was instrumental in this victory, scoring 22 points with a 63.6% field goal rate. Keenan Garner added 13 points and 6 rebounds.

In their earlier game against Alma Scot, they achieved a dominant 93-50 victory. Brooks again led the team with 21 points, while Conrad Luczynski grabbed 10 rebounds. These performances reflect their capability to control games.

Team Betting Trends

  • SU Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
  • SU Last 5: 3-0 (100.0%)
  • SU Last 10: 3-0 (100.0%)
  • SU All Games: 3-0 (100.0%)
  • SU as Favorite: 2-0 (100.0%)
  • ATS Last 3: 2-0-1 (66.7%)
  • ATS Last 5: 2-0-1 (66.7%)
  • ATS Last 10: 2-0-1 (66.7%)
  • ATS All Games: 2-0-1 (66.7%)
  • ATS as Favorite: 2-0 (100.0%)
  • O/U Last 3: 2-0 (100.0%)
  • O/U Last 5: 2-0 (100.0%)
  • O/U Last 10: 2-0 (100.0%)
  • O/U All Games: 2-0 (100.0%)

Northern Kentucky vs Central Michigan Prediction: Over 162.5

Central Michigan has been strong offensively, scoring an average of 89 points per game. They have a high field goal percentage and are effective in both two-point and three-point shots. This offensive strength contributes to a higher overall game score.

Northern Kentucky averages 79 points per game, which supports a higher scoring game. Their ability to get to the free throw line frequently, with a high free throw percentage, also adds to their scoring potential. These factors suggest a game with plenty of points.

The betting trends for both teams lean towards games going over the total. Central Michigan's recent games have all gone over, and Northern Kentucky has also seen a majority of overs. This trend reinforces the expectation of a high-scoring contest.

Taking into account both teams' offensive capabilities and recent trends, the total points are likely to surpass the set line. Therefore, the pick is the over at 162.5 points.

  • Northern Kentucky vs Central Michigan Prediction: Over 162.5
  • Northern Kentucky vs Central Michigan Score: Northern Kentucky 90 - Central Michigan 85

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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