The Mississippi State Bulldogs and Northwestern Wildcats face off on Sunday in a college basketball showdown at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Northwestern Defense Has Impressed
Northwestern comes into this game with a 4-0 record overall and their defense has stepped up. Two games ago against Western Michigan, Northwestern secured the 63-59 victory and on Saturday they were able to secure the 72-61 victory. Brooks Barnhizer finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. Northwestern on the season is averaging 69.5 points while their defense is giving up 61.8 points per game.
Mississippi State Looks Like Tournament Team
Mississippi State looks like a tournament team but when it comes to selection Sunday these are going to be key games. On Saturday the offense scored 76 points on the way to the victory. Cameron Matthews had a strong game putting up 13 points, six rebounds, and one assist. On the season Mississippi State is averaging 78.8 points while their defense is giving up 59.3 points per game. The offense is ranked 139th while the defense is ranked 29th. Trey Fort is averaging 13.7 points while shooting 48 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from behind the three point line.
Shane’s Free Pick
Points are going to be hard to come by in this game. Northwestern’s defense is good heading into this game and Mississippi State prides themselves on the defense and they are going to focus hard on their defense here. The pace of this game is going to be slower and that will be the difference. There isn’t a good play on the side, but this game will stay under the total. Back the under to cash here.
