The Illinois State Redbirds (14-9, 7-3 MVC) welcome the Valparaiso Crusaders (12-11, 5-5 MVC) to Redbird Arena as they look to prolong their six-game home winning streak. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Valparaiso Crusaders at Illinois State Redbirds Betting Prediction
The last time the Crusaders played, they were defeated by the Evansville Aces, 64-53. Evansville’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Valparaiso. The Aces had a rate of 16.1 (below their season average of 18.4), while the Crusaders posted a mark of 6.3 (below their season average of 28.1). Valparaiso’s Javon Freeman-Liberty put together a good performance, recording 12 points and six rebounds.
The Redbirds were victorious over the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in their last game, 65-57. Illinois State made 11 of their 25 three pointers (44.0 percent). Loyola Chicago, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.4 (above their season average of 18.7). Milik Yarbrough was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Zach Copeland scored a game-high 21 points in the first matchup, in which the Redbirds lost 58-56. The Crusaders had a much better free throw rate (0.208 vs. 0.102) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 17.2).
Getting to the line might be hard to come by for Illinois State in this showdown. The Redbirds currently rank 284th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.201, while Valparaiso ranks 87th in FTA rate allowed (0.205).
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. Illinois State Redbirds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois State, ATS Winner – Illinois State, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Illinois State ranks 108th in three pointers attempted per game (23.7) while Valparaiso ranks 259th (18.8).
The Crusaders average 14.6 assists per game, which ranks 80th in the country. The Redbirds rank 179th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
Illinois State ranks 185th in rebounds per game (34.9) while Valparaiso ranks 240th (33.6).
The Redbirds rank 14th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Crusaders rank 52nd (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Crusaders have been outscored by an average of 6.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Valparaiso has defeated opponents by an average of 1.9 points.
During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
+++++
