It will be a battle between OVC opponents when the Murray State Racers (17-4, 8-2 OVC) welcome the Eastern Illinois Panthers (13-10, 6-4 OVC) to the CFSB Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019.
Eastern Illinois Panthers at Murray State Racers Betting Prediction
In the Panthers’ last game, they were topped by the Morehead State Eagles, 84-78. Morehead State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Eastern Illinois. The Eagles had a rate of 0.246 (above their season average of 0.232), while the Panthers posted a mark of 0.066 (below their season average of 0.211). Eastern Illinois’ Ben Harvey had a solid outing, finishing with 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Racers beat the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in their last contest, 67-63. Murray State held the Golden Eagles to an effective field goal percentage of 0.412 (below their season average of 0.492). Tennessee Tech, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 28.3). Ja Morant was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 9-for-17 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Morant scored a game-high 27 points in the first game, in which the Racers beat the Panthers 83-61. He also recorded nine assists. The Racers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 23.4) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.592 vs. 0.424).
Murray State could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense squares off against one of the country’s worst defenses. The Racers rank 13th in offensive efficiency, while Eastern Illinois ranks 273rd in defensive efficiency.
Eastern Illinois at Murray State Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Murray State averages 18.2 assists per game, which ranks fifth in the country. Eastern Illinois ranks 213th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
The Racers average 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 72nd in the nation. The Panthers rank 234th in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
Murray State ranks 47th in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while Eastern Illinois ranks 172nd (23.3).
The Racers average 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 26th in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 142nd in steals allowed per game (6.8).
Murray State averages 4.7 blocks per game, which is ranked 25th in the NCAA. Eastern Illinois ranks 118th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Panthers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 3.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (5.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
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