The Ball State Cardinals (13-9, 6-3 MAC) will be at University Arena in Read Fieldhouse to go head-to-head against the Western Michigan Broncos (10-12, 3-6 MAC) in a MAC matchup. The game gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Ball State Cardinals at Western Michigan Broncos Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Broncos defeated the Miami (OH) RedHawks 64-60, while the Cardinals beat the Kent State Golden Flashes 62-54.
The Cardinals had a free throw rate of 0.241 (above their season average of 0.193) and held the Golden Flashes to an effective field goal percentage of 0.392 (below their season average of 0.529). Meanwhile, Western Michigan’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Miami (OH). The Broncos had a rate of 0.537 (above their season average of 0.275), while the RedHawks posted a mark of 0.131 (below their season average of 0.188). Brandon Johnson had a solid performance for Western Michigan, recording 21 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Tahjai Teague played a key role for Ball State with 12 points, 17 rebounds and six assists.
The Cardinals dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the last contest, Ball State won 60-58. Ball State had a much better turnover percentage (17.0 vs. 25.2). Western Michigan, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.5 vs. 16.2). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It could be a tough game for Western Michigan on the offensive glass. The Broncos are among the country’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 290th in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.7 percent. Meanwhile, Ball State ranks 53rd in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 75.5 percent.
Ball State at Western Michigan Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Ball State, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 105th in rebounds per game (36.8) while Western Michigan ranks 256th in rebounds allowed per game (38.2).
- The Broncos rank 46th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Cardinals rank 85th (6.1).
- Ball State ranks 49th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Western Michigan ranks 63rd (2.9).
- The Cardinals average 27.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 23rd in the country. The Broncos rank 172nd in three pointers allowed per game (22.7).
- Ball State ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Western Michigan ranks 125th (12.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 65.0 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.6 points per game (0.0 above their season average).
- The Broncos’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 1.6 for the season.
