The Murray State Racers (10-2, 1-0 OVC) welcome the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (7-7, 0-1 OVC) to CFSB Center as they try to lengthen their eight-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs. Murray State Racers ATS Prediction
In the Colonels’ last game, they were blown out by the Marshall Thundering Herd, 105-77. Marshall’s 0.553 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Eastern Kentucky, who had a rate of 0.344. Nick Mayo was Eastern Kentucky’s high scorer with 26 points on 9-for-23 shooting.
The Racers dismantled the Wright State Raiders in their last contest, 73-54. The Racers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 23.7) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.640 vs. 0.409). Ja Morant was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting from the field.
After the Racers won the lone game against the Colonels last season, 88-73, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Murray State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.0 vs. 17.6). Eastern Kentucky, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 17.5).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Mayo (0 points) has been great for the Colonels while Morant (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Racers.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Murray State should have a considerable advantage. The elite Racers offense ranks 27th in the nation in that metric at 0.564, while the suspect Eastern Kentucky defense is ranked 285th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.529).
Eastern Kentucky at Murray State Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Eastern Kentucky, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Murray State ranks seventh in assists per game (19.0) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 201st in assists allowed per game (15.4).
The Racers rank 79th in rebounds per game (37.9) while the Colonels rank 259th in rebounds allowed per game (41.5).
Eastern Kentucky ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (29.4) while Murray State ranks 128th (22.9).
The Racers average 5.6 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the nation. The Colonels rank 94th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Eastern Kentucky ranks third in steals per game (11.2) while Murray State ranks 68th in steals allowed per game (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Colonels have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Eastern Kentucky has defeated opponents by an average of 2.1 points.
During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 82.2 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.2 points per game (3.1 below their season average).
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