The Toledo Rockets (22-10, 14-5 MAC) go head-to-head against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (21-11, 12-7 MAC) in the Mid-American Conference Tourney at Quicken Loans Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Toledo Rockets ATS Prediction
The Eagles come in on a high note after defeating the Akron Zips in their last matchup, 67-58. The Eagles made 19 of their 22 free throws (86.4 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.522 vs. 0.481). Eastern Michigan rallied around Elijah Minnie, who was the game’s high scorer with 21 points on 8-for-16 shooting.
The last time the Rockets played, they barely escaped the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 71-69. The Rockets knocked down 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 7.9 (better than their season average of 14.9). With 16 points and seven rebounds, Luke Knapke played well for Toledo.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the productive offense of Toledo (23rd in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 115.3) takes on the stingy defense of Eastern Michigan (57th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 99.2).
Minnie and Paul Jackson have been playing well over the last five games for Eastern Michigan. Minnie has averaged 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Not to be outdone, Jackson has put up 16.6 points and 5.8 assists a game during that span.
The Eagles have won both games against the Rockets this season, including a close 71-69 victory the last time these teams met. The Eagles knocked down 17 of their 20 free throws (85.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (16.0 vs. 18.8). Nate Navigato scored a game-high 28 points.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Toledo Rockets Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Toledo, ATS Winner – Toledo, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Eastern Michigan ranks sixth in steals per game (8.9) while Toledo ranks 253rd (3.7).
The Rockets rank 21st in assists allowed per game (10.9) while the Eagles rank 218th (14.7).
Toledo ranks 80th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while Eastern Michigan ranks 237th (19.3).
The Eagles rank third in blocks per game (6.2) while the Rockets rank 96th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
Toledo averages 36.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 88th in the NCAA. Eastern Michigan ranks 147th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.4, up from 5.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
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