The Missouri State Bears (13-5, 3-2 MVC) will attempt to extend their seven-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Indiana State Sycamores (8-9, 3-2 MVC) at JQH Arena. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 14, 2018.
Indiana State Sycamores vs. Missouri State Bears Betting Prediction
In the Sycamores’ last contest, they beat the UNI Panthers, 69-67. Indiana State’s 0.618 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over UNI, who had a rate of 0.492. The Sycamores’ mark was above their season average of 0.507. Indiana State received a boost from Jordan Barnes, who was the game’s high scorer with 27 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
The Bears were beaten by the Evansville Aces in their last game, 64-55. Evansville’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Missouri State. The Aces had a rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.283), while the Bears posted a mark of 0.103 (below their season average of 0.197). With 16 points on 6-for-16 shooting, Alize Johnson was the top scorer from either team.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the NCAA’s top rebounding teams go head-to-head. The Bears rank 31st in offensive rebounding percentage (35.3 percent), while Indiana State ranks 46th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.1 percent). Additionally, the Sycamores rank 273rd in offensive efficiency (100.7), while the Bears rank 30th in defensive efficiency (93.9).
Indiana State comes into the game with records of 8-9 straight up (SU) and 6-7-2 against the spread (ATS). Sycamores games have typically finished over the total (66.7 percent).
Meanwhile, Missouri State is 13-5 SU and 8-7 ATS. Contrary to Indiana State, games featuring the Bears tend to finish under the O/U total (66.7 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Brenton Scott (18.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 steals) has been stellar for the Sycamores while Johnson (17.4 points and 13.8 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Bears.
After the Bears won both games against the Sycamores last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Missouri State won 73-68. The Bears knocked down 17 of their 22 free throws (77.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 21.4).
Indiana State Sycamores vs. Missouri State Bears ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Missouri State, ATS Winner – Missouri State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Indiana State is 3-4-1 ATS on the road with 5 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Missouri State is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Missouri State averages 40.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 16th in the nation. Indiana State ranks 144th in rebounds allowed per game (35.4).
The Bears rank 46th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Sycamores rank 135th (6.8).
Missouri State ranks 11th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Indiana State ranks 75th (12.4).
The Bears rank 60th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Sycamores rank 100th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Indiana State is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Missouri State is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Sycamores’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, up from 0.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 63.2 points per game (7.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.0 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
