The Austin Peay Governors (14-10, 9-3 OVC) look to snap the five-game winning streak of Murray State when they head to CFSB Center to square off with the Racers (18-5, 10-2 OVC). Murray State is a 12-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147 points. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 8, 2018, and it can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Austin Peay Governors vs. Murray State Racers Free Preview
In the Governors’ last contest, they were victorious over the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 96-81. Averyl Ugba was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 11-for-16 shooting. Austin Peay dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.4 (below their season average of 38.3) and a turnover percentage of 12.0 (better than their season average of 18.2). For those same stats, Southeast Missouri State put up marks of 20.7 and 18.2, respectively.
The Racers come in on a high note after beating the UT Martin Skyhawks in their last game, 66-53. Murray State received a boost from Temetrius Morant, who was the team’s high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-16 shooting. Murray State dominated every stat category in the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.273 (above their season average of 0.270) and a turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 15.4). UT Martin was 0.113 and 21.0, respectively, for those same stats.
Murray State figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Racers rank 20th in effective field goal percentage (0.567), while Austin Peay ranks 224th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.512).
Both of these teams have a tendency to go over the projected point total. Austin Peay games have gone over 55.0 percent of the time, while games featuring Murray State have gone over 60.0 percent of the time. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Racers have a sizable advantage. They are 18-5 SU and 12-8 ATS, while the Governors are 14-10 SU and 11-9 ATS.
This is the first time these teams will battle this year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Racers won the most recent game 102-58. The Racers dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 55.6 and an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 7.6. For those same stats, the Governors recorded marks of 24.3 and 14.9, respectively.
Austin Peay Governors at Murray State Racers Prediction
Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Austin Peay, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
The Racers are sixth in the nation with 9.6 assists allowed per game while the Governors are 34th with 11.3 assists allowed per game.
Murray State averages 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 110th in the NCAA. Austin Peay ranks 136th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
On the road, Austin Peay is 6-5 ATS with 6 overs and 5 unders.
At home, Murray State is 6-4 ATS with 8 overs and 2 unders.
Murray State ranks 116th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while Austin Peay ranks 270th (16.8).
The Racers rank 44th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Governors rank 108th (6.2).
Murray State ranks 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while Austin Peay ranks 64th (32.5).
Bettings Trends:
Murray State is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
Over their last five games, Austin Peay is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
The Racers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, down from 14.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Governors have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (6.0 above their season average).
