It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Evansville Aces (9-9, 3-2 MVC) welcome the Illinois State Redbirds (10-8, 3-2 MVC) to the Ford Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Evansville Aces Free Prediction
The last time the Redbirds played, they topped the Southern Illinois Salukis, 59-58. The Redbirds forced 18 turnovers, while the Salukis had a free throw rate of 0.113 (below their season average of 0.232). Phil Fayne played a pivotal role for Illinois State with 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Aces beat the Missouri State Bears in their last outing, 70-64. Evansville’s 0.400 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Missouri State, who had a rate of 0.175. The Aces’ mark was above their season average of 0.288, while the Bears’ was below their season average of 0.257. K.J. Riley was the top scorer from either team with 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the field.
It will be a showdown of opposite styles as the up-tempo Aces (ranked 55th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more half-court-oriented Redbirds (180th in possessions per game).
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Evan Kuhlman had 14 points and five rebounds in the first game, in which the Aces lost 58-46. The Redbirds had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (19.5 vs. 6.1) and had a much better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 23.5).
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Evansville Aces Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Evansville, ATS Winner – Illinois State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Illinois State ranks 145th in rebounds per game (35.6) while Evansville ranks 251st in rebounds allowed per game (39.9).
The Aces average 23.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 113th in the country. The Redbirds rank 188th in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
Illinois State ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Evansville ranks 69th (3.1).
The Aces rank 150th in assists per game (12.9) while the Redbirds rank 166th in assists allowed per game (14.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Redbirds have outscored opponents by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Illinois State has been defeated by an average of 1.1 points.
During their last five games, the Aces have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (7.5 below their season average).
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