The Toledo Rockets (21-10, 13-5 MAC) go head-to-head against the Miami (OH) RedHawks (16-16, 9-10 MAC) in the Mid-American Conference Tourney at Quicken Loans Arena. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Toledo is a 5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147 points.
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Toledo Rockets ATS Prediction
The last time the RedHawks played, they topped the Ohio Bobcats, 68-55. The RedHawks had a solid free throw rate of 0.294 (above their season average of 0.189) and held the Bobcats to an effective field goal percentage of 0.390 (below their season average of 0.511). Miami (OH) was led by Darrian Ringo, who was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
The Rockets lost a close one to the Eastern Michigan Eagles in their last contest, 71-69. One of Eastern Michigan’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Rockets were just 11-17 (64.7 percent). Nate Navigato had a solid performance for Toledo, leading both teams in scoring with 28 points on 9-for-13 shooting.
A focal point for the Toledo offense is getting to the free throw line. The Rockets rank 43rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.282), but Miami (OH) is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 43rd by yielding an FTA rate of 0.195).
Miami (OH) heads into the contest with records of 16-16 straight up (SU) and 18-11-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the RedHawks are involved, as 17 of their 30 games have gone under the total.
Meanwhile, Toledo is 21-10 SU and 14-14 ATS. Unlike Miami (OH), Rockets games have a tendency to finish over the projected point total (57.1 percent).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Tre’Shaun Fletcher had 18 points and 12 rebounds and the Rockets defeated the RedHawks 73-67, covering as 3.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 140 points, which was 6 points below the projected point total of 146 points. One of Toledo’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 28 trips to the line, while Miami (OH) went just 10 times.
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Toledo Rockets Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Toledo, ATS Winner – Toledo, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Miami (OH) ranks 22nd in steals per game (7.8) while Toledo ranks 262nd (3.7).
The Rockets rank 35th in assists per game (16.0) while the RedHawks rank 146th (13.5).
Toledo averages 24.1 three-pointers per game, which ranks 80th in the NCAA. Miami (OH) ranks 156th in three-pointers allowed per game (21.8).
The Rockets average 36.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 89th in the NCAA. The RedHawks rank 151st in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
Toledo averages 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 79th in the NCAA. Miami (OH) ranks 127th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Miami (OH) is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Toledo is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The RedHawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.6 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
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