It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-11, 0-1 CUSA) welcome the Florida Atlantic Owls (9-5, 0-1 CUSA) to the Murphy Athletic Center. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Florida Atlantic Owls at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders ATS Prediction
The last time the Owls played, they dismantled the Florida Tech Panthers, 98-52. The Owls had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.596 vs. 0.356) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (52.8 vs. 32.6). Florida Atlantic received a boost from Jailyn Ingram, who led the team in scoring with 21 points on 10-for-14 shooting.
The Blue Raiders dismantled the Lees-McRae Bobcats in their last outing, 91-69. The Blue Raiders had a much better free throw rate (0.339 vs. 0.135) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.602 vs. 0.399). With 19 points and 11 rebounds, Reggie Scurry put together a solid outing for Middle Tennessee.
After the Blue Raiders won the only game against the Owls last season, 61-57, these teams will meet for the first time this year. Middle Tennessee out-rebounded Florida Atlantic. The Blue Raiders had more offensive rebounds (14 vs. four) and total rebounds (42 vs. 36).
Ingram has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Florida Atlantic.
The offense of Middle Tennessee (339th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 90.3) will clash against the elite defense of Florida Atlantic (79th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 96.1). The Owls figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Florida Atlantic, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Florida Atlantic ranks 23rd in three pointers attempted per game (28.1) while Middle Tennessee ranks 263rd (16.4).
The Owls rank 15th in rebounds per game (41.8) while the Blue Raiders rank 173rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
Florida Atlantic ranks 142nd in assists per game (13.5) while Middle Tennessee ranks 243rd (9.6).
The Owls rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Blue Raiders rank 122nd (4.1).
Middle Tennessee averages 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 98th in the country. Florida Atlantic ranks 159th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Owls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Raiders have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (12.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (0.8 below their season average).
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