The Ball State Cardinals (10-4, 1-0 MAC) look to extend their five-game home winning streak when they square off against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-8, 0-1 MAC), who will try to end their five-game road losing streak. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ball State Cardinals Free Prediction
In the Eagles’ last contest, they beat the Rochester (MI) Warriors, 77-67. The Eagles had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.9 vs. 19.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.190 vs. 0.092). Boubacar Toure was a key piece for Eastern Michigan with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
The Cardinals defeated the Indiana State Sycamores in their last matchup, 86-69. The Cardinals had a better free throw rate (0.231 vs. 0.164) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.546 vs. 0.433). Tahjai Teague was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 10-for-14 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Eagles won 58-41. Eastern Michigan’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Ball State. The Eagles had a rate of 0.580 while the Cardinals posted a mark of 0.300.
Ball State could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their sharp-shooting offense goes up against one of the country’s worst defenses. The Cardinals currently rank 12th in effective field goal percentage (0.576), while Eastern Michigan ranks 268th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.520).
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ball State Cardinals Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Ball State, ATS Winner – Eastern Michigan, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Ball State averages 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 74th in the NCAA. Eastern Michigan ranks 234th in assists allowed per game (17.8).
The Cardinals rank 36th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Eagles rank 150th (7.3).
Ball State ranks 143rd in three pointers allowed per game (22.9) while Eastern Michigan ranks 238th (26.6).
The Cardinals rank 67th in rebounds per game (38.5) while the Eagles rank 135th in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
Eastern Michigan averages 4.4 blocks per game, which is ranked 49th in the nation. Ball State ranks 67th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Eagles have outscored opponents by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Eastern Michigan has lost by an average of 1.4 points.
During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (8.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.2 points per game (6.0 above their season average).
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