The Eastern Illinois Panthers (0-2) welcome the Western Illinois Leathernecks (2-1) to Lantz Arena for their home opener. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 17, 2018.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at Eastern Illinois Panthers Free Prediction
In the Leathernecks’ last game, they blew out the Dominican (IL) Stars, 95-56. The Leathernecks had a much better free throw rate (0.373 vs. 0.055) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.6 vs. 27.9). With 19 points on 6-for-7 shooting, Brandon Gilbeck was the game’s high scorer.
The Panthers fell to the IUPUI Jaguars in their last outing, 71-65. IUPUI’s 30.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Eastern Illinois, who had a mark of 23.5. Eastern Illinois’ Rade Kukobat put together a good performance, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
The offense of Eastern Illinois will square off against the top-notch defense of Western Illinois. Since the 2017-18 season, the Panthers rank 307th in offensive efficiency, while the Leathernecks are 100th in defensive efficiency. The Leathernecks figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
These two teams split two games last season. The Panthers won the last matchup 78-77. Eastern Illinois had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 22.9). Western Illinois, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.0 vs. 28.1).
Western Illinois Leathernecks at Eastern Illinois Panthers Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Eastern Illinois ranks 113th in three pointers allowed per game (21.0) while Western Illinois ranks 266th (24.2).
The Leathernecks rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Panthers rank 120th (3.2).
Eastern Illinois ranks 178th in steals per game (6.0) while Western Illinois ranks 246th (5.2).
The Panthers rank 242nd in assists per game (12.4) while the Leathernecks rank 291st (10.9).
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