JEFF'S #1 COLLEGE HOOPS UNDERDOG SHOCKER

Northridge was much better than its 7-23 record last season as the Matadors lost nine scholarship players for a total of 110 games to injuries. Only two starters return from that injury-riddled team but head coach Trent Johnson really likes the ten newcomers to the program. Johnson’s optimism begins with Murray State transfer Dionte Bostick, who leads the team in points (17.8) and is second in assists per game (2.3). Returning starter Atin Wright joins Bostick in the backcourt and is second on the team in scoring with 12.5 points per game. Northridge has excellent backcourt depth due to the arrival of two additional transfers. North Dakota graduate transfer Ethan Igbanugo averaged 8.8 points per game last season and is an excellent ball handler (team-high 3.3 assists per game), while New Orleans transfer De’Sean Allen-Eikens is averaging 9.8 points per game on 45.5% shooting from beyond the arc. Central Michigan returns two starters from last year’s squad that finished with the MAC’s worst winning percentage (.233) and second-lowest KenPom rating (318th out of 358 teams). My math model makes this game a pick and Northridge has better talent at both ends of the floor. Grab the points with the Matadors and invest with confidence.