Northern Colorado Bears vs Sacramento State Hornets Picks and Predictions January 17th 2026

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Northern Colorado Bears vs Sacramento State Hornets Betting Preview

The Northern Colorado Bears look to bounce back on the road, while the Sacramento State Hornets aim to defend their home floor in this Big Sky clash at Hornet Pavilion.

Line Movement and Odds

Northern Colorado enters as the favorite, but Sacramento State’s home record makes this line competitive. Current market:

  • Northern Colorado Spread: -5.5 (-119)
  • Sacramento State Spread: +5.5 (-105)
  • Northern Colorado MoneyLine: -237
  • Sacramento State MoneyLine: +187
  • Total: 166.5 (-110)

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Matchup Breakdown

Northern Colorado Outlook

The Bears average 84.0 points per game, with Quinn Denker and Brock Wisne leading the offense. Denker’s 18 points vs Portland State highlighted his consistency, while Wisne’s 16 points showcased his impact. Northern Colorado’s shooting efficiency (57.4% eFG, 26th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their 11-7 record and 5-5 road mark highlight resilience, making them a dangerous favorite.

Sacramento State Outlook

The Hornets average 77.3 points per game, with Prophet Johnson, Mikey Williams, and Mark Lavrenov driving production. Johnson’s 29 points vs Northern Arizona highlighted his scoring punch, while Lavrenov’s double-double showcased his versatility. Sacramento State’s free-throw production (49th nationally in makes per game) and home record (5-1) underscore their strengths. Their 5-11 record shows struggles, but their ability to compete at Hornet Pavilion makes them dangerous.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on pace and perimeter defense. Northern Colorado thrives on efficient shooting and offensive depth, while Sacramento State must rely on home-court energy and Johnson’s scoring to tilt the game. Turnovers and rebounding will likely decide the margin.

Injuries / Availability

Northern Colorado: No injuries reported.

Sacramento State: No notable injuries listed.

Environment

Hornet Pavilion has been a reliable venue for Sacramento State, where they’ve gone 5-1 this season. Northern Colorado enters with confidence from strong offensive performances, making this a clash of home strength vs road efficiency.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Northern Colorado 84, Sacramento State 76

  • Northern Colorado -5.5 → Best Bet. Their shooting efficiency and offensive depth suggest they can cover the spread.
  • Under 166.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower pace points toward a combined score below the line.

Northern Colorado’s depth and offensive rhythm should carry them to victory, while Sacramento State’s home-court advantage keeps the game competitive. Expect a moderately high-scoring contest with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

Big Sky games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers highlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard shows who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Northern Colorado vs Sacramento State, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.

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