The Buffalo Bulls (13-5, 5-0 MAC) look to lengthen their six-game winning streak against the Western Michigan Broncos (11-7, 3-2 MAC) at University Arena in Read Fieldhouse. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 19, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Buffalo is a 4-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 155.5 points.
Buffalo Bulls at Western Michigan Broncos Free Prediction
The Bulls come in on a high note after dismantling the Northern Illinois Huskies in their last contest, 95-67. The Bulls had a great turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 14.9) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.625 (above their season average of 0.524). With 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting, Nick Perkins was the game’s high scorer.
In the Broncos’ last game, they lost a tough one against the Kent State Golden Flashes, 73-71. Kent State’s 29.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Western Michigan, who had a rate of 26.5. The Golden Flashes’ mark was below their season average of 33.5, while the Broncos’ was below their season average of 31.8. Western Michigan’s Josh Davis had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on 5-for-9 shooting.
Buffalo should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulls currently rank 69th in offensive efficiency, while Western Michigan ranks 171st in defensive efficiency.
Buffalo holds records of 13-5 straight up (SU) and 9-5-1 against the spread (ATS). Bulls games have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (53.3 percent).
Meanwhile, Western Michigan is 11-7 SU and 7-8 ATS. Vegas tends to set the total high when the Broncos are involved, as nine of their 15 games have gone under the total.
Perkins has averaged 17.0 points and 7.2 rebounds over the last five games for Buffalo.
After the Bulls won the only contest against the Broncos last season, 66-54, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Bulls had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.446 vs. 0.339) and had a better free throw rate (0.286 vs. 0.237).
Buffalo Bulls vs. Western Michigan Broncos Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Western Michigan, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Buffalo is 6-3 ATS with 5 overs and 4 unders.
Western Michigan is 2-3 ATS at home with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Buffalo ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (17.7) while Western Michigan ranks 261st (25.8).
The Bulls rank 33rd in assists per game (16.7) while the Broncos rank 170th (13.0).
Western Michigan averages 36.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 103rd in the nation. Buffalo ranks 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.8).
The Broncos rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Bulls rank 131st (4.1).
Western Michigan ranks 20th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Buffalo ranks 67th (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Buffalo is 4-0-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Western Michigan is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.2, up from 7.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
