It will be a battle between Summit opponents when the Western Illinois Leathernecks (6-13, 1-5 Summit) welcome the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons (12-8, 4-1 Summit) to Western Hall. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons at Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Prediction
In the Mastodons’ last game, they were topped by the South Dakota Coyotes, 87-73. South Dakota’s 12.7 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Purdue Fort Wayne, who had a mark of 21.1. The Coyotes’ mark was better than their season average of 15.8, while the Mastodons’ was above their season average of 15.6. John Konchar had a solid performance for Purdue Fort Wayne, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Leathernecks lost to the Omaha Mavericks in their last matchup, 80-71. Omaha’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Western Illinois. The Mavericks had a rate of 0.211 (above their season average of 0.183), while the Leathernecks posted a mark of 0.065 (below their season average of 0.191). With 10 points and 11 rebounds, Western Illinois’ Brandon Gilbeck put together a solid performance.
Western Illinois could have trouble getting to the free throw line in this matchup. The Leathernecks currently rank 316th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.184, while Purdue Fort Wayne ranks 54th in FTA rate allowed (0.188). Furthermore, the Mastodons’ 41st-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 113.6) will go head-to-head against the Leathernecks’ 253rd-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 105.0).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Mastodons won 90-74. The Mastodons had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.603 vs. 0.455) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (25.8 vs. 21.4).
Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Purdue Fort Wayne ranks 26th in assists per game (16.4) while Western Illinois ranks 232nd (10.7).
The Mastodons rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (28.9) while the Leathernecks rank 176th (21.3).
Purdue Fort Wayne ranks 44th in steals per game (7.8) while Western Illinois ranks 143rd (5.9).
The Mastodons rank 148th in rebounds allowed per game (35.1) while the Leathernecks rank 236th (37.9).
Purdue Fort Wayne allows the 27th-fewest blocks per game (2.5) while Western Illinois ranks 50th (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Mastodons’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, up from 6.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Leathernecks have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
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