It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Missouri State Bears (12-12, 6-5 MVC) welcome the Illinois State Redbirds (14-10, 7-4 MVC) to JQH Arena. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 10, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Missouri State Bears ATS Prediction
The last time the Redbirds played, they were defeated by the Valparaiso Crusaders, 69-53. Valparaiso’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Illinois State. The Crusaders had a rate of 23.1 (below their season average of 27.2), while the Redbirds posted a mark of 10.7 (below their season average of 24.8). Zach Copeland led Illinois State in scoring with 17 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
The Bears were victorious over the Southern Illinois Salukis in their last contest, 65-59. The Bears had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.386 (above their season average of 0.250) and had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 16.5). Jarred Dixon was Missouri State’s high scorer with 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting from the field.
It could be a tough game for Missouri State on the offensive glass. The Bears rank 233rd in offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 percent), while Illinois State ranks 86th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.0 percent).
After the Redbirds won both contests against the Bears last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Illinois State won 76-60. Illinois State’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Missouri State. The Redbirds had a rate of 0.500 while the Bears posted a mark of 0.354.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Missouri State Bears Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Missouri State, ATS Winner – Missouri State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Missouri State ranks 34th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Illinois State ranks 189th (35.8).
The Redbirds rank 13th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Bears rank 78th (3.1).
Illinois State averages 14.2 assists per game, which ranks 106th in the NCAA. Missouri State ranks 138th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
The Bears average 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. The Redbirds rank 83rd in steals allowed per game (5.9).
Illinois State ranks 107th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while Missouri State ranks 123rd in three pointers allowed per game (21.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Redbirds have outscored opponents by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Illinois State has been defeated by an average of 0.4 points.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 60.8 points per game (10.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 49.8 points per game (19.0 below their season average).
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