The Buffalo Bulls (14-5, 6-0 MAC) put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they meet the Eastern Michigan Eagles (11-8, 2-4 MAC) at Alumni Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 23, 2018.
Buffalo opened as a 13-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 150 points.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Buffalo Bulls ATS Prediction
In the Eagles’ last outing, they were defeated by the Ohio Bobcats, 72-66. Ohio’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Eastern Michigan. The Bobcats had a rate of 0.340 (above their season average of 0.211), while the Eagles posted a mark of 0.231. James Thompson IV was Eastern Michigan’s high scorer with 21 points on 7-for-7 shooting.
The Bulls beat the Western Michigan Broncos in their last outing, 84-74. Buffalo’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Western Michigan. The Bulls had a rate of 21.6 (below their season average of 32.7), while the Broncos posted a mark of 14.6 (below their season average of 31.6). With 17 points, nine assists and five rebounds, Wes Clark had a solid performance for Buffalo.
This game should be a matchup of contrasting styles. Buffalo likes to play quickly (20th in possessions per game), while Eastern Michigan is methodical (223rd in possessions per game).
Eastern Michigan holds records of 11-8 straight up (SU) and 7-6 against the spread (ATS). Of the Eagles’ 13 games with betting action, eight have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Buffalo is 14-5 SU and 10-5-1 ATS. Contrary to Eastern Michigan, Bulls games have typically finished over the projected point total (56.3 percent).
Nick Perkins and Jeremy Harris have played at a high level over the last five games for Buffalo. Perkins has averaged 19.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Not to be outdone, Harris has put up 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals a game during that span.
After the Bulls won the lone contest against the Eagles last season, 77-68, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Bulls had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.6 vs. 23.7) and had a better turnover percentage (16.3 vs. 18.9).
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Buffalo Bulls Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Eastern Michigan is 3-4 ATS with 4 unders and 3 overs.
Buffalo is 3-2-1 ATS at home with 3 overs and 3 unders.
Buffalo ranks 31st in assists per game (16.7) while Eastern Michigan ranks 223rd in assists allowed per game (15.6).
The Bulls rank 16th in three pointers attempted per game (28.1) while the Eagles rank 203rd (19.9).
Eastern Michigan ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.9) while Buffalo ranks 126th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
The Eagles rank ninth in steals per game (9.2) while the Bulls rank 96th (6.6).
Buffalo averages 38.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 51st in the NCAA. Eastern Michigan ranks 133rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Eastern Michigan is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Buffalo is 4-0-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 5.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 86.2 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (9.1 below their season average).
