The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-8) take on the Ole Miss Rebels (8-2) at Bridgestone Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Free Prediction
The Rebels will be looking for a similar outcome after dismantling the Western Michigan Broncos in their last contest, 90-64. The Rebels had a much better turnover percentage (14.8 vs. 29.2) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.623 vs. 0.480). With 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Terence Davis was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Blue Raiders took the court, they had no trouble getting past the Lees-McRae Bobcats, 91-69. The Blue Raiders had a much better free throw rate (0.339 vs. 0.135) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.602 vs. 0.399). With 19 points and 11 rebounds, Middle Tennessee’s Reggie Scurry put together a solid game.
After the Blue Raiders won the lone game against the Rebels last season, 77-58, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Blue Raiders had a much better turnover percentage (8.3 vs. 16.3) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.1 vs. 16.1).
Breein Tyree has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Ole Miss.
This contest should be a matchup of contrasting paces. Middle Tennessee prefers to play up-tempo (70th in possessions per game), while Ole Miss is slower-paced (260th in possessions per game). Also, the Rebels rank 28th in offensive efficiency (115.6), while the Blue Raiders rank 259th in defensive efficiency (105.0).
Ole Miss vs. Middle Tennessee Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Ole Miss, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Ole Miss ranks 35th in assists per game (16.3) while Middle Tennessee ranks 221st (9.9).
The Rebels rank second in rebounds allowed per game (28.1) while the Blue Raiders rank 158th (35.9).
Ole Miss ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Middle Tennessee ranks 171st (9.0).
The Rebels rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Blue Raiders rank 122nd (3.9).
Ole Miss ranks 205th in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while Middle Tennessee ranks 259th (15.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Rebels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 11.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Raiders have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (12.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (0.8 below their season average).
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