The Eastern Washington Eagles (18-13, 13-5 BigSky) clash with the Portland State Vikings (20-12, 10-9 BigSky) in the Big Sky Conference Tourney at Reno Events Center. The game is scheduled to start at 11:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Portland State Vikings vs. Eastern Washington Eagles Betting Prediction
In the Vikings’ last matchup, they topped the Sacramento State Hornets, 71-67. The Vikings knocked down 22 of their 31 free throws (71.0 percent) and held the Hornets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below the 30.4 mark opponents have averaged against Portland State this season). Bryce Canda had a good outing for Portland State, putting up 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Eagles were victorious over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in their last contest, 85-68. The Eagles made 11 of their 15 free throws (73.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.712 (above their season average of 0.536). With 11 points and 10 rebounds, Mason Peatling had a good performance for Eastern Washington.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play an integral role in this showdown. Eastern Washington commits the 44th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent), while the disruptive defense of Portland State forces the sixth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.5 percent). Furthermore, the Vikings rank 20th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.0 percent), while the Eagles rank 27th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.9 percent).
Portland State holds records of 20-12 straight up (SU) and 16-13 against the spread (ATS). Of the Vikings’ 29 games with betting action, 17 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Eastern Washington owns records of 18-13 SU and 16-12 ATS. Unlike Portland State, Eagles games have a tendency to go under the total (57.1 percent).
Bogdan Bliznyuk has averaged 24.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists over the last five games for Eastern Washington.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Vikings won the most recent matchup 94-81, covering as 5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 175 points, which was 16.5 points above the projected point total of 158.5 points. The Vikings had a better turnover percentage (7.8 vs. 12.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.136 vs. 0.091). Holland Woods scored a game-high 29 points.
Portland State Vikings vs. Eastern Washington Eagles Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Portland State, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Portland State ranks second in steals per game (9.8) while Eastern Washington ranks 216th (5.1).
The Eagles rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Vikings rank 180th (4.1).
Portland State ranks 34th in rebounds per game (38.6) while Eastern Washington ranks 202nd (34.1).
The Vikings rank 23rd in assists per game (16.5) while the Eagles rank 170th (13.2).
Portland State ranks 32nd in three-pointers attempted per game (26.3) while Eastern Washington ranks 75th (24.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Portland State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Eastern Washington is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Vikings’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 6.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (3.9 below their season average).
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