The Murray State Racers (16-3, 7-1 OVC) head to Jacksonville State to take on the Gamecocks (15-6, 7-1 OVC) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against superb defense. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Murray State Racers vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Prediction
In the Racers’ last matchup, they thoroughly outplayed the Tennessee State Tigers, 100-62. The Racers had a ridiculously low turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 15.6) and had a free throw rate of 0.467 (above their season average of 0.239). Murray State was lifted by Ja Morant, who was the game’s high scorer with 24 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
The Gamecocks defeated the Morehead State Eagles in their last outing, 77-71. Jacksonville State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Morehead State. The Gamecocks had a rate of 24.1 (below their season average of 31.7), while the Eagles posted a mark of 20.0 (below their season average of 30.6). Jason Burnell led Jacksonville State in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting from the field.
After the Racers won two out of three meetings against the Gamecocks last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Murray State won 70-63. Murray State had a much better free throw rate (0.255 vs. 0.097). Jacksonville State, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (15.4 vs. 17.6).
This contest figures to be low-scoring as a pair of the country’s premier defenses battle. Jacksonville State currently ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency (93.3) and Murray State is 31st (93.9).
Murray State vs. Jacksonville State Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Jacksonville State, ATS Winner – Jacksonville State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Murray State ranks 62nd in three pointers allowed per game (20.3) while Jacksonville State ranks 231st (24.8).
The Racers rank sixth in assists per game (18.8) while the Gamecocks rank 133rd (13.5).
Murray State averages 8.3 steals per game, which ranks 25th in the NCAA. Jacksonville State ranks 117th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
The Gamecocks average 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 31st in the country. The Racers rank 114th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Murray State ranks 55th in rebounds per game (38.2) while Jacksonville State ranks 132nd in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Racers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.0, down from 17.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gamecocks have scored an average of 78.6 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
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