The UT Martin Skyhawks (5-8, 0-2 OVC) welcome the Murray State Racers (11-2, 2-0 OVC) to Skyhawk Arena as they try to continue their five-game home winning streak. The game begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
Murray State Racers at UT Martin Skyhawks Free Prediction
In the Racers’ last matchup, they blew out the Wright State Raiders, 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). With 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting, Ja Morant was the top scorer from either team.
The Skyhawks won big over the Cumberland University Phoenix in their last game, 91-58. The Skyhawks had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.593 vs. 0.379) and had a much better turnover percentage (16.2 vs. 24.8). With 14 points, six rebounds and five assists, Derek Hawthorne, Jr. put together a solid game for UT Martin.
After the Racers won both meetings against the Skyhawks last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last contest, Murray State won 66-53. The Racers had a much better free throw rate (0.273 vs. 0.113) and had a much better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 21.0).
Morant has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Murray State.
The offense of UT Martin will clash against the stingy defense of Murray State. The Skyhawks rank 211th in offensive efficiency, while the Racers are 24th in defensive efficiency. The Racers should have the advantage on that end of the court. Additionally, the Racers could control the offensive glass in this showdown as they rank 54th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.5 percent. The Skyhawks, meanwhile, rank 321st at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 67.1 percent.
Murray State Racers at UT Martin Skyhawks Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Murray State ranks seventh in assists per game (19.1) while UT Martin ranks 225th in assists allowed per game (16.5).
The Racers average 38.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 74th in the NCAA. The Skyhawks rank 239th in rebounds allowed per game (39.1).
Murray State ranks 47th in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while UT Martin ranks 207th (25.2).
The Racers rank eighth in blocks per game (5.7) while the Skyhawks rank 119th (2.9).
Murray State averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks 23rd in the NCAA. UT Martin ranks 99th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Racers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.0, up from 18.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Skyhawks have scored an average of 80.2 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (4.7 below their season average).
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