The Murray State Racers (14-2, 5-0 OVC) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they take on the SIUE Cougars (5-12, 1-4 OVC) at Sam M. Vadalabene Center. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Murray State Racers vs. SIUE Cougars ATS Prediction
In the Racers’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Eastern Illinois Panthers, 83-61. The Racers held the Panthers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.4 (below the 30.6 mark opponents have averaged against Murray State this season) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.424 (below their season average of 0.494). Murray State was led by Ja Morant, who was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
The Cougars were beaten by the Austin Peay Governors in their last contest, 79-71. Austin Peay’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over SIUE. The Governors had a rate of 14.5 (stronger than their season average of 16.7), while the Cougars posted a mark of 20.9 (above their season average of 15.4). With 16 points on 5-for-9 shooting, Cameron Williams led SIUE in scoring.
The ineffective offense of SIUE (279th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 99.9) will go head-to-head against the top-notch defense of Murray State (26th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 92.6). The Racers figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
After the Racers won both matchups against the Cougars last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last game, Murray State won 75-66. The Racers had a much better turnover percentage (14.6 vs. 20.9) and had a much better free throw rate (0.520 vs. 0.364).
Murray State Racers at SIUE Cougars Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Murray State ranks third in assists per game (19.4) while SIUE ranks 191st in assists allowed per game (14.9).
The Racers average 38.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 55th in the NCAA. The Cougars rank 227th in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
Murray State ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.4) while SIUE ranks 182nd (1.9).
The Racers rank 30th in steals per game (8.3) while the Cougars rank 122nd in steals allowed per game (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Racers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.8, up from 18.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 83.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
^^^^^
