The Ohio Bobcats (19-10) head to Miami (OH) to take on the RedHawks (12-18) in what should be a low-scoring game. Action starts at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, Mar. 4 and can be seen on ES3.
The RedHawks come into this game hoping to repeat their last performance, defeating Buffalo 67-59 on Tuesday. Eric Washington had 17 points, seven assists, and four rebounds for Miami (OH). The Bobcats are coming off a 91-76 loss at the hands of Akron on Tuesday. Jaaron Simmons led the game in scoring with 25 points.
Over the last five games, Washington has really been playing well for the RedHawks, averaging 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.2 three-pointers. Simmons has been on a tear for the Bobcats. In the same five-game span, he is averaging 21.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Bobcats winning the first matchup 76-64. Simmons scored a game-high 25 points.
The RedHawks are hoping to improve on their records of 12-18 Straight Up (SU) and 12-15 Against The Spread (ATS). In their last 10 games, they are 7-3 ATS. The most recent ten-game stretch for the RedHawks has gone great. Over that span, Miami (OH) is averaging 80.9 points per game, well over their season average of 63.1. The Miami (OH) defense has done poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 75.6 points per game, well above their season average of 68.0.
In the other locker room, the Bobcats head into the game with records of 16-9 ATS and 19-10 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 62.8 PPG, below their 78.9 PPG season average. The Bobcats are shooting lights out so far, with a .475 field-goal percentage that ranks 30th in Division I. The Ohio defense has allowed an average of 67.8 points per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 74.8.
In their previous meeting this season, Ohio beat Miami (OH), bringing its SU record in their most recent games to 9-1. The Bobcats also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-4. Ohio held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers two times in the last five game, while Miami (OH) wasn’t able to do so in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ohio, ATS Winner – Ohio
Notes
The Ohio Bobcats average 78.9 points per game, ranking 40th in the nation. The Miami (OH) RedHawks rank 73rd in points allowed with 68.0.
Ranked 46th, the Ohio Bobcats have an offensive rating of 113.0. The Miami (OH) RedHawks rank 141st with a defensive rating of just 104.7.
The Ohio Bobcats average a field goal percentage of 47.5% this season. The Miami (OH) RedHawks have an underachieving record of 1-9 when opponents have a FG% of 47.5% or greater.
The Miami (OH) RedHawks rank higher based on their field goal percentage (319th) than their effective field goal percentage (327th). The Ohio Bobcats rank higher based on their effective field goal percentage (21st) than their field goal percentage (30th).
Miami (OH) ranks 228th in offensive rebounds, while Ohio ranks 61st in defensive rebounds.
Miami (OH) is among the best in forcing turnovers, with opponents averaging a TO% of 22.0% (ranked 12th). Ohio has a 3-2 record SU when its TO% reaches 22.0% or greater.