It will be a showdown between two great offenses when the Austin Peay Governors (18-7, 10-2 OVC) meet the Murray State Racers (19-4, 10-2 OVC) at Winfield Dunn Center. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
Murray State Racers vs. Austin Peay Governors ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Governors defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers 94-86, while the Racers had no trouble getting past the SIUE Cougars 86-55.
Murray State played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.8 (better than their season average of 15.1) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.566 (above their season average of 0.556). For those same stats, SIUE put up marks of 23.3 and 0.387, respectively. Meanwhile, Austin Peay played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.458 (above their season average of 0.248) and a turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 15.7). For those same stats, Eastern Illinois put up marks of 0.108 and 12.3, respectively. Austin Peay was lifted by Terry Taylor, who put up 25 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Darnell Cowart had a solid performance for Murray State, contributing 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Racers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent matchup, Murray State won 73-64. One of Murray State’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 32 trips to the line, while Austin Peay went 21 times. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Austin Peay (27th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 113.8) takes on the elite defense of Murray State (31st in the country with a defensive efficiency of 95.0). Also, the Racers, who rank 60th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.7 percent), will face off against the Governors, who rank 253rd in defensive rebounding percentage (70.1 percent).
Murray State Racers vs. Austin Peay Governors Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Austin Peay, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Murray State averages 18.2 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the NCAA. Austin Peay ranks 142nd in assists allowed per game (13.4).
- The Racers rank 28th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Governors rank 95th (3.6).
- The Racers rank 21st in steals per game (8.3) while the Governors rank 111th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
- Murray State ranks 66th in rebounds per game (37.7) while Austin Peay ranks 148th in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Governors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.6, down from 11.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 81.4 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (1.5 above their season average).
