The Ball State Cardinals (10-4, 1-0 MAC) look to continue their nine-game winning streak against the Buffalo Bulls (8-3, 1-0 MAC) at John E. Worthen Arena. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
Buffalo Bulls at Ball State Cardinals Betting Prediction
In the Bulls’ last matchup, they beat the Toledo Rockets, 104-94. Buffalo’s 7.1 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Toledo, who had a rate of 17.7. The Bulls’ mark was better than their season average of 16.6. With 27 points on 7-for-13 shooting, CJ Massinburg was the top scorer from either team.
The Cardinals defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles in their last contest, 72-62. The Cardinals made 15 of their 20 free throws (75.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2 (above their season average of 27.2). With 13 points and 10 rebounds, Trey Moses had a good game for Ball State.
The physical Ball State offense might be living from the free throw line in this battle. The Cardinals currently rank 96th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.264, while Buffalo ranks 309th in FTA rate allowed (0.295).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Bulls won 96-69. The Bulls had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.2 vs. 18.8) and had a much better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 22.3).
Buffalo Bulls at Ball State Cardinals Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Ball State, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Buffalo ranks 17th in three pointers allowed per game (17.7) while Ball State ranks 135th (22.1).
The Bulls rank 39th in assists per game (16.8) while the Cardinals rank 155th in assists allowed per game (14.1).
Ball State averages 37.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 111th in the nation. Buffalo ranks 214th in rebounds allowed per game (38.2).
The Bulls rank 75th in steals per game (7.2) while the Cardinals rank 155th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
Ball State ranks 89th in blocks per game (3.7) while Buffalo ranks 159th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 5.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.0 points per game (12.7 below their season average).
