The UT Martin Skyhawks (5-10, 0-4 OVC) and the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (7-10, 0-4 OVC), who both like to play up-tempo, will go head-to-head at McBrayer Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
UT Martin Skyhawks at Eastern Kentucky Colonels Betting Prediction
The last time the Skyhawks played, they were beaten by the Austin Peay Governors, 72-70. Austin Peay’s 33.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over UT Martin, who had a mark of 25.7. The Governors’ mark was below their season average of 33.7, while the Skyhawks’ was below their season average of 32.0. Kevin Little was UT Martin’s leading scorer with 15 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
The Colonels were beaten by the Belmont Bruins in their last game, 109-93. Belmont made good use of their 40 trips to the free throw line, converting on 32 of them (80.0 percent). Eastern Kentucky, on the other hand, was just 13-21 (61.9 percent). Eastern Kentucky’s Nick Mayo had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Skyhawks won 70-69. The Skyhawks had a better free throw rate (0.113 vs. 0.051) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 23.5).
There should be plenty of transition action in this matchup that features a pair of the NCAA’s more fast-breaking teams. Eastern Kentucky currently ranks second in possessions per game (83.1) and UT Martin is 41st (74.2).
UT Martin vs. Eastern Kentucky Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Eastern Kentucky, ATS Winner – Eastern Kentucky, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Eastern Kentucky averages 29.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. UT Martin ranks 218th in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
The Colonels rank 53rd in assists per game (15.5) while the Skyhawks rank 228th in assists allowed per game (17.3).
Eastern Kentucky averages 38.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 67th in the country. UT Martin ranks 229th in rebounds allowed per game (38.3).
The Colonels average 10.9 steals per game, which ranks second in the nation. The Skyhawks rank 128th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
Eastern Kentucky averages 3.6 blocks per game, which is ranked 80th in the nation. UT Martin ranks 94th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Skyhawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 4.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Colonels have scored an average of 95.8 points per game (10.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 90.6 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
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