The Central Michigan Chippewas (9-2) go head-to-head with the Jackson State Tigers (2-9) at McGuirk Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Jackson State Tigers vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Prediction
In the Tigers’ last outing, they were beaten by the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks, 75-66. Making free throws was one of Louisiana-Monroe’s biggest strengths. They were 16-20 (80.0 percent), while the Tigers were just 13-19 (68.4 percent). Chris Howell had a good performance for Jackson State, finishing with 15 points and eight rebounds.
The Chippewas had no trouble getting past the Concordia (MI) Cardinals in their last outing, 98-67. The Chippewas had a much better free throw rate (0.308 vs. 0.092) and had a much better turnover percentage (13.1 vs. 22.6). Kevin McKay was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Chippewas won the sole contest against the Tigers last season, 70-63, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Central Michigan’s 0.364 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Jackson State, who had a mark of 0.078.
McKay and Larry Austin Jr. have been playing well over the last five games for Central Michigan. McKay has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Austin Jr. has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Opposite styles will be on display in this meeting. Central Michigan prefers a fast-breaking style of play (19th in possessions per game), while Jackson State is methodical (299th in possessions per game).
Jackson State Tigers vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Central Michigan, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Central Michigan averages 40.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 34th in the country. Jackson State ranks 187th in rebounds allowed per game (36.4).
The Tigers rank 41st in three pointers allowed per game (22.6) while the Chippewas rank 147th (23.1).
Central Michigan ranks ninth in steals per game (9.5) while Jackson State ranks 73rd (6.5).
The Chippewas rank 54th in blocks per game (4.1) while the Tigers rank 100th in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
Central Michigan ranks 41st in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Jackson State ranks 87th (14.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Tigers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.8, down from 11.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Chippewas have scored an average of 83.6 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (7.3 below their season average).
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