The Eastern Michigan Eagles (22-12) go head-to-head against the Sam Houston State Bearkats (19-14) in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament at Johnson Coliseum. The game gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 19, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 135.5 points with Eastern Michigan opening as a 2-point favorite.
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Sam Houston State Bearkats Free Prediction
The Eagles will be hoping for similar success after dismantling the Niagara Purple Eagles in their last outing, 83-65. Eastern Michigan’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Niagara. The Eagles had a rate of 0.519 (below their season average of 0.524), while the Purple Eagles posted a mark of 0.372 (below their season average of 0.513). Eastern Michigan received a boost from James Thompson IV, who finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds.
In the Bearkats’ last game, they lost to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, 89-79. Southeastern Louisiana made good use of their 35 trips to the free throw line, converting on 28 of them (80.0 percent). Sam Houston State, meanwhile, was 17-21 (81.0 percent). Sam Houston State’s Josh Delaney contributed 13 points in the game.
This showdown figures to be low-scoring as two of the nation’s top defenses battle. Sam Houston State ranks 60th in defensive efficiency (99.6) and Eastern Michigan is 42nd (98.7).
Eastern Michigan heads into the contest with records of 22-12 straight up (SU) and 18-10 against the spread (ATS). Eagles games tend to go under the total (67.9 percent).
Meanwhile, Sam Houston State owns records of 19-14 SU and 2-3 ATS. Contrary to Eastern Michigan, Bearkats games tend to finish over the projected point total (60.0 percent).
Elijah Minnie has averaged 20.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Eastern Michigan.
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Sam Houston State Bearkats Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Eastern Michigan, ATS Winner – Eastern Michigan, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Eastern Michigan ranks third in blocks per game (6.4) while Sam Houston State ranks 257th (1.7).
The Bearkats rank 27th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Eagles rank 199th (6.9).
Sam Houston State averages 14.5 assists per game, which ranks 100th in the nation. Eastern Michigan ranks 236th in assists allowed per game (14.6).
The Bearkats average 37.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 80th in the NCAA. The Eagles rank 179th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
Sam Houston State ranks 180th in three pointers attempted per game (21.3) while Eastern Michigan ranks 246th (19.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.8, up from 5.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bearkats have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (2.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
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