The Missouri State Bears (6-8, 0-1 MVC) look to prolong their six-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Valparaiso Crusaders (8-6, 1-0 MVC) at JQH Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Valparaiso Crusaders at Missouri State Bears ATS Prediction
The last time the Crusaders played, they blew out the Concordia University (IL) Cougars, 121-65. The Crusaders had a much better free throw rate (0.424 vs. 0.151) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.705 vs. 0.370). With 22 points on 7-for-8 shooting, Javon Freeman-Liberty was the top scorer from either team.
The Bears easily got past the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles in their last contest, 84-50. Missouri State couldn’t miss, shooting 55.6 percent from the field. Oral Roberts, meanwhile, had a field goal percentage of just 29.3. Jarred Dixon was the game’s top scorer with 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting from the field.
After the Bears won all three matchups against the Crusaders last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Missouri State won 83-79. Missouri State out-rebounded Valparaiso. The Bears had more offensive rebounds (18 vs. five), defensive rebounds (27 vs. 24) and total rebounds (45 vs. 29).
Keandre Cook and Dixon have played well over the last five games for Missouri State. Cook has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Dixon has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
Valparaiso vs. Missouri State ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Missouri State, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Valparaiso ranks 38th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Missouri State ranks 216th (25.7).
The Crusaders average 15.5 assists per game, which ranks 51st in the nation. The Bears rank 194th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
Valparaiso ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Missouri State ranks 106th (3.6).
The Bears rank 84th in steals per game (7.0) while the Crusaders rank 126th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Crusaders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 4.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
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