Expect a high-scoring game when the Belmont Bruins (17-4, 8-2 OVC) clash against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (10-13, 3-7 OVC) at McBrayer Arena. Action starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019.
Belmont Bruins at Eastern Kentucky Colonels Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Colonels lost to the SIUE Cougars, 88-82, while the Bruins defeated the UT Martin Skyhawks, 82-67.
The Bruins were 8-10 from the foul line (80.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.617 (above their season average of 0.565). Eastern Kentucky, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (13.0 vs. 17.2). Nick Mayo had a solid performance for Eastern Kentucky, putting up 33 points and 11 rebounds. Belmont, meanwhile, was lifted by Dylan Windler, who contributed 23 points and 13 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Windler led the Bruins to a 109-93 win. He notched a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Belmont was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Bruins made 32 of their 40 free throws (80.0 percent), while the Colonels were just 13-21 (61.9 percent).
There could be a fair amount of transition offense in this battle that features a pair of the country’s more up-tempo teams. Eastern Kentucky ranks first in possessions per game (82.6) and Belmont is 11th (76.2). Moreover, the Bruins’ 10th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.567) will square off against the Colonels’ 284th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.526).
Belmont at Eastern Kentucky Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – Belmont, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Belmont ranks 23rd in rebounds per game (39.6) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 274th in rebounds allowed per game (41.4).
- The Colonels average 11.0 steals per game, which ranks first in the NCAA. The Bruins rank 112th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- Belmont blocks 4.2 opponent shots per game, which ranks 47th in the NCAA. Eastern Kentucky ranks 122nd in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Bruins rank third in assists per game (19.6) while the Colonels rank 213th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
- Eastern Kentucky ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while Belmont ranks 184th in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Colonels have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.8 points per game (3.7 below their season average).
- The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 10.6 for the season.
