The UT Martin Skyhawks (5-6) will attempt to end their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Eastern Illinois Panthers (7-6) at Lantz Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
UT Martin Skyhawks at Eastern Illinois Panthers Free Prediction
In the Skyhawks’ last matchup, they dismantled the Cumberland University Phoenix, 91-58. The Skyhawks had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.593 vs. 0.379) and had a much better turnover percentage (16.2 vs. 24.8). UT Martin rallied around Derek Hawthorne, Jr., who contributed 14 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Panthers were beaten by the Texas Longhorns in their last outing, 71-59. Texas’ effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Eastern Illinois. The Longhorns had a rate of 0.577, while the Panthers posted a mark of 0.411. Eastern Illinois’ Rade Kukobat put together a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 12 points on 3-for-11 shooting.
After the Panthers won both meetings against the Skyhawks last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Eastern Illinois won 64-57. The Panthers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 20.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.255 vs. 0.176).
Eastern Illinois could have trouble getting to the foul line in this matchup. The Panthers rank 247th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.214, while UT Martin ranks 15th in FTA rate allowed (0.159).
UT Martin Skyhawks vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – UT Martin, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UT Martin averages 16.5 assists per game, which ranks 30th in the NCAA. Eastern Illinois ranks 193rd in assists allowed per game (15.6).
The Panthers rank 121st in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while the Skyhawks rank 205th in three pointers allowed per game (24.7).
UT Martin ranks 34th in steals per game (8.2) while Eastern Illinois ranks 100th (6.6).
The Skyhawks average 35.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 174th in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 208th in rebounds allowed per game (38.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Skyhawks have outscored opponents by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. On the season, UT Martin has been defeated by an average of 3.0 points.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (0.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
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