The Murray State Racers (13-2, 4-0 OVC) and the Eastern Illinois Panthers (10-7, 3-1 OVC) battle at Lantz Arena. The Racers will try to extend their five-game winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
Murray State Racers at Eastern Illinois Panthers ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Panthers defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 67-60, while the Racers had no trouble getting past the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 85-67.
Murray State played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 43.8 (above their season average of 33.3) and a turnover percentage of 9.1 (better than their season average of 15.9). Southeast Missouri State was 20.6 and 12.7, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 38.1 (above their season average of 27.4) and a turnover percentage of 16.3 (worse than their season average of 16.0). Tennessee Tech was 6.9 and 25.3, respectively, for those same stats. Mack Smith had a good outing for Eastern Illinois, contributing 14 points and five rebounds. Murray State was led by Ja Morant, who had 17 points and 14 assists.
The Racers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent game, Murray State won 76-66. Murray State’s 0.224 free throw rate was their largest strength over Eastern Illinois, who had a rate of 0.148. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Eastern Illinois might struggle to put up points as they clash against one of the country’s best defenses. Murray State ranks 33rd in defensive efficiency, while the Panthers rank 234th in offensive efficiency.
Murray State at Eastern Illinois ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Murray State ranks third in assists per game (19.5) while Eastern Illinois ranks 201st in assists allowed per game (15.4).
- The Racers average 8.3 steals per game, which ranks 30th in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 121st in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- Murray State averages 23.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 115th in the nation. Eastern Illinois ranks 186th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
- The Racers rank 73rd in rebounds per game (38.0) while the Panthers rank 214th in rebounds allowed per game (37.7).
- Murray State ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.4) while Eastern Illinois ranks 112th (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (4.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
- The Racers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.0, up from 18.3 for the season.