The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (13-4, 5-0 CUSA) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they clash against the Marshall Thundering Herd (12-6, 3-2 CUSA) at Henderson Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018, and will air on beIN Sports.
Middle Tennessee is a 3-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 160 points.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Marshall Thundering Herd ATS Prediction
In the Blue Raiders’ last game, they thoroughly outplayed the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 69-49. Middle Tennessee’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Blue Raiders had 18 offensive rebounds and 50 total rebounds, while the Golden Eagles had three and 23, respectively. With 19 points on 9-for-12 shooting, Brandon Walters led Middle Tennessee in scoring.
The Thundering Herd were beaten by the Old Dominion Monarchs in their last outing, 82-76. Old Dominion won the rebounding battle. The Monarchs had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. eight), defensive rebounds (30 vs. 24) and total rebounds (43 vs. 32). Marshall’s C.J. Burks had a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 24 points on 7-for-19 shooting.
This game should be a showdown of conflicting paces. Marshall prefers to play fast (sixth in possessions per game), while Middle Tennessee is methodical (264th in possessions per game).
Middle Tennessee heads into the game with records of 13-4 straight up (SU) and 8-6 against the spread (ATS). Of the Blue Raiders’ 14 games with betting action, 11 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Marshall owns records of 12-6 SU and 9-6 ATS. Contrary to Middle Tennessee, games including the Thundering Herd tend to finish over the O/U total (60.0 percent).
After the Blue Raiders won all three matchups against the Thundering Herd last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Middle Tennessee won 83-72. Middle Tennessee did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (19-27; 70.4 percent). Marshall, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 23.3).
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Marshall Thundering Herd Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Middle Tennessee is 5-5 ATS with 7 unders and 3 overs.
At home, Marshall is 5-3 ATS with 4 overs and 4 unders.
Middle Tennessee ranks 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while Marshall ranks 274th (40.4).
The Thundering Herd rank 21st in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while the Blue Raiders rank 225th (18.7).
Middle Tennessee ranks 43rd in assists allowed per game (11.6) while Marshall ranks 213th (15.7).
The Thundering Herd rank sixth in blocks per game (6.2) while the Blue Raiders rank 168th (2.3).
Middle Tennessee ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (4.6) while Marshall ranks 125th (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Middle Tennessee is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders.
Marshall is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Blue Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 8.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Thundering Herd have scored an average of 83.4 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.6 points per game (0.8 below their season average).
