It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Valparaiso Crusaders (7-6) welcome the Illinois State Redbirds (7-6) to the Athletics-Recreation Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Prediction
The Redbirds will be hoping for a similar result after defeating the FGCU Eagles in their last outing, 74-66. Illinois State’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over FGCU. The Redbirds had a rate of 0.298, while the Eagles posted a mark of 0.111. Illinois State was led by Phil Fayne, who had 17 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Crusaders’ previous game, they won big over the Concordia University (IL) Cougars, 121-65. The Crusaders had a much better free throw rate (0.424 vs. 0.151) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.705 vs. 0.370). Javon Freeman-Liberty was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 7-for-8 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, the Crusaders won 74-58. The Crusaders made 11 of their 15 free throws (73.3 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.573 vs. 0.448).
The physical Valparaiso offense seems poised to dominate from the free throw line. The Crusaders rank 95th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.240, while Illinois State ranks 243rd in FTA rate allowed (0.251).
Illinois State vs. Valparaiso Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Illinois State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Valparaiso ranks 34th in three pointers allowed per game (19.8) while Illinois State ranks 225th (25.6).
The Crusaders average 16.0 assists per game, which ranks 134th in the nation. The Redbirds rank 189th in assists allowed per game (15.5).
Valparaiso averages 6.4 steals per game, which ranks 79th in the country. Illinois State ranks 117th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
The Crusaders rank 187th in rebounds per game (34.6) while the Redbirds rank 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (39.0).
Illinois State ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Valparaiso ranks 33rd (2.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Redbirds’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 2.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (4.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
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