It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-10) welcome the FIU Golden Panthers (9-4) to the Murphy Athletic Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
FIU Golden Panthers vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Free Prediction
In the Golden Panthers’ last contest, they blew out the Webber International Warriors, 110-84. FIU’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Webber International. The Golden Panthers had a rate of 14.8, while the Warriors posted a mark of 22.4. Brian Beard Jr. played a pivotal role for FIU with 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
The Blue Raiders had no trouble getting past the Lees-McRae Bobcats in their last contest, 91-69. The Blue Raiders had a much better free throw rate (0.339 vs. 0.135) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.602 vs. 0.399). With 19 points and 11 rebounds, Middle Tennessee’s Reggie Scurry had a good outing.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Middle Tennessee offense. Middle Tennessee ranks 350th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 25.1 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of FIU forces the second-most turnovers in the country (26.9 percent).
Beard Jr. and Devon Andrews have played at a high level over the last five games for FIU. Beard Jr. has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Andrews has put up 0 points a game during that span.
After the Blue Raiders won the lone contest against the Golden Panthers last season, 71-66, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Middle Tennessee had a much better turnover percentage (15.0 vs. 20.2). FIU, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.473 vs. 0.444).
FIU Golden Panthers at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – FIU, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
FIU ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.5) while Middle Tennessee ranks 259th (16.2).
The Golden Panthers rank 22nd in assists per game (16.9) while the Blue Raiders rank 233rd (9.6).
FIU ranks first in steals per game (12.8) while Middle Tennessee ranks 186th in steals allowed per game (9.1).
The Blue Raiders average 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 87th in the nation. The Golden Panthers rank 257th in rebounds allowed per game (43.9).
FIU blocks 4.1 opponent shots per game, which ranks 61st in the nation. Middle Tennessee ranks 133rd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.8, up from 11.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Raiders have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (13.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
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