I favor UTEP -2.5 against N Kentucky because the Miners bring in three guards who averaged double figures last season. The Norse have to replace their five leading scorers.
Leif Moeller is projected to run the point after averaging 10.8 points and 4.0 assists in 32 starts at Evansville last season. Reese Miller led William & Mary with 12.1 points per game, and Jace Whiting averaged 11.2 at Weber State.
Norse point guard Ethan Elliott shot 33.5% overall and 25.6% from three last season. UTEP has reason to help off him and crowd the paint.
Whiting also had 54 assists against 26 turnovers at Weber State last season. His 82.4% free-throw shooting gives UTEP a ballhandler to use if NKU fouls late.