The Central Michigan Chippewas (21-14) go head-to-head with the Liberty Flames (21-14) in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament at Vines Center. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 24, 2018.
Liberty opened as a 3-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 141.5 points.
Central Michigan Chippewas at Liberty Flames Betting Prediction
In the Chippewas’ last contest, they beat the Wofford Terriers, 98-94. The Chippewas made 15 of their 15 free throws (100.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 9.8 (better than their season average of 14.4). Central Michigan received a boost from Kevin McKay, who contributed 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Flames defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies in their last outing, 65-52. The Flames made 14 of their 18 free throws (77.8 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 16.6). With 11 points and 12 rebounds, Scottie James played well for Liberty.
A focal point for the Liberty offense is getting to the free throw line. The Flames rank 51st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.278), but Central Michigan is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 35th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.190). Moreover, the 35th-ranked offense of the Chippewas (offensive efficiency of 113.2) will clash against the 40th-ranked defense of the Flames (defensive efficiency of 98.5).
Central Michigan holds records of 21-14 straight up (SU) and 18-11-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total low when the Chippewas are involved, as 19 of their 30 games have gone over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Liberty is 21-14 SU and 5-4 ATS. Unlike Central Michigan, games involving the Flames have a tendency to finish under the total (77.8 percent).
Scottie James has averaged 17.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over the last five games for Liberty.
Central Michigan Chippewas at Liberty Flames ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Liberty, ATS Winner – Liberty, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Central Michigan averages 28.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the NCAA. Liberty ranks 221st in three pointers allowed per game (23.3).
The Flames rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (29.3) while the Chippewas rank 183rd (35.4).
Liberty ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Central Michigan ranks 174th (3.7).
The Flames rank 50th in assists allowed per game (11.7) while the Chippewas rank 151st (13.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Chippewas’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 5.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Flames have scored an average of 64.8 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.0 points per game (8.3 below their season average).
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