It will be a battle between OVC opponents when the Murray State Racers (18-4, 9-2 OVC) welcome the SIUE Cougars (8-15, 4-7 OVC) to the CFSB Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
SIUE Cougars at Murray State Racers Betting Prediction
The last time the Cougars played, they were blown out by the Austin Peay Governors, 80-45. Austin Peay’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over SIUE. The Governors had a rate of 7.7 (better than their season average of 16.1), while the Cougars posted a mark of 23.6 (above their season average of 15.8). Brandon Jackson led SIUE in scoring with 12 points on 5-for-9 shooting.
The Racers beat the Eastern Illinois Panthers in their last matchup, 86-75. The Racers made 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 15.4). Darnell Cowart was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Ja Morant scored a game-high 40 points in the first game, in which the Racers defeated the Cougars 82-72. He also put up 11 assists and five steals. Murray State was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Racers made 27 of their 31 free throws (87.1 percent), while the Cougars were 16-16 (100.0 percent).
The prolific offense of Murray State will square off against the porous defense of SIUE. The Racers currently rank 14th in offensive efficiency, while the Cougars are 319th in defensive efficiency. The Racers should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
SIUE Cougars at Murray State Racers Odds Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Murray State ranks sixth in assists per game (18.2) while SIUE ranks 214th (12.0).
The Racers average 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. The Cougars rank 247th in rebounds allowed per game (37.7).
Murray State ranks 26th in blocks per game (4.7) while SIUE ranks 188th (2.2).
The Racers rank 25th in steals per game (8.1) while the Cougars rank 166th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Cougars’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 7.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (5.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
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