A five-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Tennessee State Tigers (8-5) when they square off against the Eastern Illinois Panthers (7-5) at Gentry Center. Action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Tennessee State Tigers ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Tigers were victorious over the Blue Mountain College Toppers, 86-71, while the Panthers got blown out by the Grand Canyon Antelopes, 85-63.
Tennessee State played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 40.7 (above their season average of 34.3) and a free throw rate of 0.232 (above their season average of 0.211). Blue Mountain College recorded marks of 13.3 and 0.143, respectively, for those same stats. Eastern Illinois, on the other hand, had a free throw rate of 0.283 (above their season average of 0.211). Tennessee State’s Shakem Johnson had a solid performance, finishing with 27 points and six rebounds. Eastern Illinois was lifted by Mack Smith, who had 16 points and six rebounds.
The Tigers won the only game between these two teams last season, 75-60. The Tigers’ 27.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Panthers, who had a mark of 21.1. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Tennessee State. Tennessee State ranks 335th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 24.4 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Eastern Illinois forces the 46th-most turnovers in the NCAA (23.3 percent).
Eastern Illinois vs. Tennessee State Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Tennessee State, ATS Winner – Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Eastern Illinois ranks 49th in assists per game (15.4) while Tennessee State ranks 174th (14.6).
- The Panthers rank 54th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Tigers rank 78th in blocks allowed per game (2.1).
- The Panthers rank 41st in rebounds per game (39.5) while the Tigers rank 144th (38.8).
- Eastern Illinois ranks 44th in steals per game (8.3) while Tennessee State ranks 105th (5.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 13.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (3.5 above their season average).
