It will be a battle between Ohio Valley opponents when the Morehead State Eagles (6-7) welcome the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (2-12) to Ellis T Johnson Arena. The game gets underway at 6:00 pm ET on Thursday, Jan. 7.
The Eagles lost to Murray State 62-57 the last time they played. Brent Arrington played well for Morehead State, contributing 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists. The Redhawks, meanwhile, are coming off a 72-66 loss at the hands of Tennessee State in their last outing. Antonius Cleveland had a solid game, recording his third double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Cleveland has been on a tear over the last five games for the Redhawks, averaging 17.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals.
Morehead State is a considerable 16-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 135 points. The Eagles enter the game with records of 6-7 Straight Up (SU) and 6-6 Against The Spread (ATS). Morehead State is known to control the offensive glass, where it racks up an impressive 14.5 offensive rebounds per game. Turning to the defensive side, the Morehead State defense has been very good, only giving up 64.5 points per game. The Eagles have limited opponents’ efforts from beyond the arc, allowing 5.0 three-pointers made per game. The Eagles are the 25th-best team in the country at taking the ball away from their opponents, averaging 8.5 steals per game.
On the other side, the Redhawks head into the game with records of 6-5 ATS and 2-12 SU. The Redhawks are in for a physical game against Morehead State. The Eagles are not afraid to send opponents to the free throw line, averaging 22.8 fouls per game.
This game marks the first time these teams will play this season. The last time these conference rivals played, Morehead State won, bringing its SU record to 9-1 over Southeast Missouri State in their most recent games. Additionally, with a 7-3 record, Morehead State has the advantage ATS. Morehead State topped the Redhawks in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) once over the last five matchups. Southeast Missouri State has never had the edge in all three categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mor, ATS Winner – Mor, O/U – Over
Notes
Morehead State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.
Morehead State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Morehead State’s last 7 games.
Morehead State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home.
Morehead State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against SE Missouri State.
Neither the Morehead State Eagles nor the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks have won a game against any team in the Ohio Valley Conference. Morehead State holds a 0-1 record in these matchups, while Southeast Missouri State is 0-2 SU.
Southeast Missouri State scores just 64.0 points per away game (ranked 275th). Morehead State ranks 20th in points allowed at home, giving up 57.6 points.
The Morehead State Eagles average a field goal percentage of 42.8% this season. The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks have a subpar record of 1-10 when opponents have a FG% of 42.8% or greater.
The Morehead State Eagles and the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Morehead State is 265th and 237th in the nation for eFG% and FG% respectively, while Southeast Missouri State ranks 329th and 314th in these categories.
Morehead State is one of the best teams in the country when it comes to offensive rebounds, ranking 16th. Southeast Missouri State ranks just 273rd in defensive rebounds.
Morehead State is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TO% of 24.3% (ranked 10th). Southeast Missouri State is winless this season (0-3 SU) when its TO% reaches 24.3% or greater.
