The NCAAB continues with conference playoffs on Monday, March 6, and here is the Horizon duel that will be played in Indianapolis, so make sure you get the best Norse vs. Penguins betting pick and odds.

Northern Kentucky is searching for the fourth straight victory when they meet Youngstown State at Moby Arena. The Penguins are -2.5 favorites on Bovada Sportsbook, while the total is set at 139.5 points. These Horizon foes will face for the third time this season; the series is tied at 1-1.

Norse completed a back-to-back set against Oakland with a win

The Northern Kentucky Norse (20-12, 13-17 ATS) concluded the regular season with three wins, including two against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The Norse created a nine-point lead in the first half and managed to maintain a comfortable lead until the end to secure an 81-74 home victory. Northern Kentucky was solid from the field (49.0%) and hit 13 three-pointers opposite Oakland’s eight, while the Norse were better in rebounds (35-23).

Junior guard Marques Warrick led the Norse with a game-high 22 points. Chris Brandon posted a double-double of 13 points and game-high 13 rebounds, Sam Vinson added 12 points, four boards, and game-high three steals, Trevon Faulkner chipped in 12 points and four rebounds off the bench, while Trey Robinson had 11 points and five boards.

Penguins secured the No. 1 seed with a win over Detroit Mercy

The Youngstown State Penguins (24-8, 18-12 ATS) responded to a big loss against Robert Morris with a pair of wins over the IUPUI Jaguars and Detroit Mercy Titans. That latest 71-66 victory over the Titans secured a top seed and a regular-season title for the Penguins. Youngstown State limited the visitors to 35.3% from the floor, and despite making just five triples, the Penguins did make six free throws more (18-12) than Detroit Mercy, which made a difference in the end.

Senior forward Adrian Nelson led the Penguins with 20 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Dwayne Cohill had 17 points, four boards, and four assists, while Brandon Rush contributed 15 points and four rebounds.

Trends:

Northern Kentucky:

  • 1-4 ATS in the last five Monday games

Youngstown State:

  • 4-1 ATS in the last five Monday games
  • 14-3 SU in the last 17 games
  • 8-2 SU in the last ten games against the Horizon conference rivals

Northern Kentucky Norse vs. Youngstown State Penguins Pick

Youngstown State has a top-10 offense in college basketball that averages 83.1 points per game opposite Northern Kentucky’s 68.2 points per contest. The Norse do have a stronger defense; they are allowing 63.7 ppg opposite the Penguins’ 72.5 ppg, but on this occasion, I am going with a more prolific offense. The Penguins scored 73+ points in both H2H duels this season, and I think if they score 70+ here, they are going to win. It’s still going to be a close encounter worthy of the conference semis.

Pick: Take the Penguins at -1.5 (-130)

The Total

Northern Kentucky scored just 56 points in the latest H2H, but I expect the Norse to be much more efficient on Monday. They know that anything below 60 points is not going to be even close to the win, so the Norse must improve offensively. They did score 78 and 81 points in two wins over Oakland, which is a good sign. Over is 5-2 in the Penguins’ last seven overall, while Over is 11-5 in Youngstown State’s previous 16 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Pick: Go Over 137.5 points (-133)