The Evansville Aces (12-9, 2-6 MVC) will try to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Valparaiso Crusaders (11-10, 2-6 MVC) at Athletics-Recreation Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
Valparaiso opened as a 3.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 131 points.
Evansville Aces vs. Valparaiso Crusaders Free Prediction
The Aces are hoping for a better outcome after their 66-53 loss to the Bradley Braves in their last contest. Bradley’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Evansville. The Braves had a rate of 0.509 (above their season average of 0.493), while the Aces posted a mark of 0.377 (below their season average of 0.520). Blake Simmons led Evansville in scoring with 12 points on 4-for-10 shooting.
In the Crusaders’ last matchup, they fell to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, 70-54. Loyola Chicago’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Valparaiso. The Ramblers had a rate of 11.6 (better than their season average of 18.8), while the Crusaders posted a mark of 19.6. Bakari Evelyn had a good game for Valparaiso, leading both teams in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
Valparaiso might struggle to score as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Evansville ranks 84th in defensive efficiency while the Crusaders rank 249th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Aces, who rank 30th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.292), will square off against the Crusaders, who rank 319th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.295).
Evansville heads into the game with records of 12-9 straight up (SU) and 10-7 against the spread (ATS). Of the Aces’ 17 games with betting action, 12 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Valparaiso is 11-10 SU and 9-9 ATS. Games including the Crusaders also tend to finish under the O/U total (66.7 percent).
Evansville Aces at Valparaiso Crusaders Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Evansville, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Valparaiso averages 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 28th in the nation. Evansville ranks 179th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
The Crusaders rank 120th in rebounds per game (36.5) while the Aces rank 244th (33.0).
Valparaiso ranks 50th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Evansville ranks 135th (4.0).
The Crusaders rank 211th in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while the Aces rank 292nd (13.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Aces have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Evansville has defeated opponents by an average of 2.1 points.
During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
