The Belmont Bruins (13-4, 4-2 OVC) travel to Murray State to take on the Racers (15-2, 6-0 OVC) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game will air on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Belmont Bruins at Murray State Racers Betting Prediction
In the Bruins’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Tennessee State Tigers, 92-74. The Bruins had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.760 (above their season average of 0.547) and had a free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.196). Nick Muszynski played a pivotal role for Belmont with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Racers beat the SIUE Cougars in their last outing, 82-72. Murray State was successful at getting and making free throws. The Racers made 27 of their 31 free throws (87.1 percent), while the Cougars were 16-16 (100.0 percent). Ja Morant was the game’s top scorer with 40 points on 8-for-17 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, the Racers won 68-51. The Racers had a much better turnover percentage (7.9 vs. 18.3) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 18.9).
This contest figures to be a shootout as two of the NCAA’s premier offenses go head-to-head. Murray State currently ranks seventh with 118.2 points per 100 possessions and Belmont is 57th (111.9).
Belmont vs. Murray State Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Belmont, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Murray State ranks 71st in rebounds per game (38.0) while Belmont ranks 212th in rebounds allowed per game (37.1).
The Racers rank 19th in blocks per game (5.1) while the Bruins rank 133rd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Belmont ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while Murray State ranks 128th (23.1).
The Racers average 19.3 assists per game, which ranks fourth in the country. The Bruins rank 107th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
Murray State averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks 23rd in the NCAA. Belmont ranks 117th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 9.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 89.0 points per game (5.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.4 points per game (6.4 above their season average).
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