The Central Michigan Chippewas (18-13, 7-11 MAC) and Bowling Green Falcons (16-15, 7-11 MAC) wrap up the regular season when they clash at McGuirk Arena. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, March 5, 2018.
Central Michigan opened as a 7-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 147 points.
Bowling Green Falcons vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Free Prediction
The Falcons are trying to rebound after their 100-70 loss to the Buffalo Bulls in their last contest. Buffalo’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Bowling Green. The Bulls had a rate of 8.5 (better than their season average of 15.1), while the Falcons posted a mark of 14.2. Bowling Green’s Demajeo Wiggins put together a good performance, contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Chippewas’ last game, they defeated the Western Michigan Broncos, 84-71. The Chippewas made 22 of their 23 free throws (95.7 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.608 (above their season average of 0.509). Shawn Roundtree was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
Central Michigan figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Chippewas rank 61st in offensive efficiency, while Bowling Green ranks 255th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Falcons rank 56th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.277), while the Chippewas rank 38th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.191).
Bowling Green holds records of 16-15 straight up (SU) and 13-11 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Falcons games, with 12 overs compared to 11 unders.
Meanwhile, Central Michigan owns records of 18-13 SU and 16-9-1 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Chippewas are involved, as 57.7 percent of their games have ended over the total.
Wiggins has averaged 15.0 points and 13.4 rebounds over the last five games for Bowling Green.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Kevin McKay recorded 16 points and five rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Chippewas defeated the Falcons 84-75 but were not able to cover as 0-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 159 points, which was just 5 points above the projected point total of 154 points. The Chippewas had a much better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 21.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.274 vs. 0.220).
Bowling Green Falcons at Central Michigan Chippewas Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Central Michigan, ATS Winner – Bowling Green, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Bowling Green is 8-4 ATS with 7 unders and 5 overs.
Central Michigan is 6-4-1 ATS at home with 7 unders and 4 overs.
Central Michigan ranks 13th in three pointers attempted per game (28.1) while Bowling Green ranks 172nd (21.3).
The Chippewas rank 86th in rebounds per game (36.6) while the Falcons rank 215th in rebounds allowed per game (36.5).
Central Michigan ranks 160th in assists per game (13.4) while Bowling Green ranks 203rd in assists allowed per game (14.4).
The Chippewas average 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 104th in the NCAA. The Falcons rank 138th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Central Michigan ranks 104th in steals per game (6.5) while Bowling Green ranks 115th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Bowling Green is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Central Michigan is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Falcons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.4, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Chippewas have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
