It will be a battle between OVC opponents when the Eastern Illinois Panthers (13-9, 6-3 OVC) welcome the Morehead State Eagles (8-14, 4-5 OVC) to Lantz Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Morehead State Eagles vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers Free Prediction
In the Eagles’ last contest, they were defeated by the SIUE Cougars, 83-76. SIUE’s 33.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Morehead State, who had a mark of 22.9. The Cougars’ mark was above their season average of 30.6, while the Eagles’ was below their season average of 30.1. Jordan Walker led Morehead State in scoring with 22 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The Panthers won a close one over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in their last game, 67-66. The Panthers had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.357 (above their season average of 0.205) and held the Colonels to an effective field goal percentage of 0.382 (below their season average of 0.505). With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Cam Burrell had a good game for Eastern Illinois.
Eastern Illinois may have difficulty getting to the foul line in this showdown. The Panthers rank 257th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.211, while Morehead State ranks 88th in FTA rate allowed (0.205).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Walker (15 points,1.2 steals) has been stellar for the Eagles while Mack Smith (16 points) has contributed greatly to the Panthers.
After the Panthers won the only game against the Eagles last season, 61-52, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Panthers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.6 vs. 16.7) and had a better turnover percentage (12.0 vs. 15.7).
Morehead State Eagles at Eastern Illinois Panthers Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Eastern Illinois ranks 100th in rebounds per game (36.9) while Morehead State ranks 232nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.4).
The Panthers average 3.6 blocks per game, which ranks 84th in the country. The Eagles rank 167th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
Morehead State averages 13.3 assists per game, which ranks 149th in the NCAA. Eastern Illinois ranks 212th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
The Eagles average 23.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 129th in the country. The Panthers rank 174th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Eagles have outscored opponents by an average of 1.0 point in their last five games. For the season, Morehead State has been defeated by an average of 3.8 points.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
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