It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Eastern Michigan Eagles (12-9, 3-5 MAC) welcome the Western Michigan Broncos (12-9, 4-4 MAC) to Convocation Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 137.5 points with Eastern Michigan opening as a 3.5-point favorite.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Prediction
In the Broncos’ last matchup, they topped the Northern Illinois Huskies, 79-72. The Broncos made 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.635 (above their season average of 0.495). With 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Thomas Wilder was the top scorer from either team.
The Eagles beat the Miami (OH) RedHawks in their last contest, 58-48. Eastern Michigan held the RedHawks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.375 (below their season average of 0.520). Miami (OH), meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.107 vs. 0.059). With 12 points and 11 rebounds, James Thompson IV had a good outing for Eastern Michigan.
Eastern Michigan figures to have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles rank 91st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.484), while Western Michigan is 215th in effective field goal percentage (0.501). Additionally, the Broncos rank 23rd in turnover percentage (15.8 percent), while the Eagles rank 50th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.0 percent).
Western Michigan heads into the game with records of 12-9 straight up (SU) and 7-10-1 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for Broncos games in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Eastern Michigan is 12-9 SU and 8-7 ATS. Of the Eagles’ 15 games with betting action, 9 have finished under the total.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Broncos won the last contest 88-80. Western Michigan did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (24-32; 75.0 percent). Eastern Michigan, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.618 vs. 0.582).
Western Michigan Broncos at Eastern Michigan Eagles Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Eastern Michigan, ATS Winner – Western Michigan, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Western Michigan is 5-5 ATS on the road with 6 unders, 3 overs and 1 push.
At home, Eastern Michigan is 4-2 ATS with 4 unders and 2 overs.
Western Michigan ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while Eastern Michigan ranks 166th (7.2).
The Eagles rank ninth in blocks per game (6.0) while the Broncos rank 135th (3.0).
Eastern Michigan ranks 209th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6) while Western Michigan ranks 257th (25.5).
The Broncos average 12.7 assists per game, which ranks 187th in the NCAA. The Eagles rank 223rd in assists allowed per game (15.6).
Western Michigan ranks 125th in rebounds per game (36.2) while Eastern Michigan ranks 156th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Western Michigan is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Eastern Michigan is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Broncos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 3.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 64.4 points per game (9.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
