The Eastern Michigan Eagles (14-15, 8-8 MAC) close out their home schedule at Convocation Center against the Ball State Cardinals (15-14, 6-10 MAC). Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Eagles defeated the Northern Illinois Huskies 75-69, while the Cardinals won a close one over the Western Michigan Broncos 60-58.
The Cardinals forced 22 turnovers and held the Broncos to an effective field goal percentage of 0.421 (below their season average of 0.497). Eastern Michigan, meanwhile, was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Eagles made 23 of their 28 free throws (82.1 percent), while the Huskies were 12-16 (75.0 percent). Eastern Michigan was lifted by James Thompson IV, who contributed 15 points and 17 rebounds. Meanwhile, K.J. Walton fueled Ball State with 15 points.
In their first matchup this year, Thompson IV led the Eagles to an 84-82 win. He recorded a double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds. Eastern Michigan’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Ball State. The Eagles had a rate of 0.310, while the Cardinals posted a mark of 0.231.
Eastern Michigan might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Ball State ranks 78th in defensive efficiency, while the Eagles rank 188th in offensive efficiency. Conflicting paces will be on display in this contest. The aggressively-paced Cardinals rank 46th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Eagles rank 279th.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Eastern Michigan, ATS Winner – Eastern Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 77th in assists allowed per game (12.0) while Eastern Michigan ranks 275th (16.9).
- The Cardinals rank 148th in three pointers allowed per game (22.3) while the Eagles rank 231st (24.6).
- Eastern Michigan ranks 25th in blocks per game (4.6) while Ball State ranks 103rd in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The Eagles average 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. The Cardinals rank 152nd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- Eastern Michigan averages 36.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 94th in the country. Ball State ranks 182nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 62.4 points per game (13.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (6.6 below their season average).
- The Eagles have been outscored by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Eastern Michigan has defeated opponents by an average of 0.2 points.
