The Weber State Wildcats (19-7, 12-2 BigSky) will try to lengthen their nine-game winning streak against the Eastern Washington Eagles (14-13, 9-5 BigSky) at Dee Events Center. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 22, 2018.
Weber State is a 4.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 144 points.
Eastern Washington Eagles at Weber State Wildcats Betting Prediction
The last time the Eagles played, they defeated the Montana State Bobcats, 84-79. Eastern Washington’s 25.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Montana State, who had a rate of 17.1. The Eagles’ mark was above their season average of 23.2, while the Bobcats’ was below their season average of 29.3. With 25 points on 8-for-17 shooting, Bogdan Bliznyuk was the game’s leading scorer.
The Wildcats beat the Sacramento State Hornets in their last game, 83-73. The Wildcats were 8-9 from the foul line (88.9 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 19.3). With 19 points and nine rebounds, Weber State’s Zach Braxton had a solid game.
Second-chance opportunities might be rare for Weber State in this meeting. The Wildcats rank 343rd in offensive rebounding percentage (19.7 percent), while Eastern Washington ranks 35th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.3 percent). Also, the Eagles rank 52nd in turnover percentage (16.8 percent), while the Wildcats rank 279th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.1 percent).
Eastern Washington heads into the game with records of 14-13 straight up (SU) and 12-12 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Eagles games, with 13 unders compared to 11 overs.
Meanwhile, Weber State owns records of 19-7 SU and 14-7 ATS. Vegas tends to place the total low when the Wildcats are involved, as 57.1 percent of their games have ended over the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Bliznyuk (22.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists) has been fantastic for the Eagles while Braxton (17.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Wildcats.
After the Wildcats won two out of three games against the Eagles last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Weber State won 80-72. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (8.3 vs. 16.7) and had a much better free throw rate (0.352 vs. 0.224).
Eastern Washington Eagles vs. Weber State Wildcats Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Weber State, ATS Winner – Eastern Washington, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Eastern Washington is 7-9 ATS with 8 overs and 8 unders.
Weber State is 6-3 ATS at home with 5 overs and 4 unders.
Eastern Washington ranks 37th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Weber State ranks 93rd (6.0).
The Wildcats rank 97th in assists per game (14.6) while the Eagles rank 133rd in assists allowed per game (13.1).
Eastern Washington is 34th in the NCAA with 19.2 three pointers allowed per game while Weber State is 51st with 19.7 three pointers allowed per game.
The Eagles rank fourth in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Wildcats rank 19th (2.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Eastern Washington is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Weber State is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 2.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 84.0 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.2 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
