The 20th-ranked Buffalo Bulls (12-1) and the Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-7) face off at Convocation Center. The Bulls look to continue their 11-game winning streak. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, January 4, 2019.
Buffalo Bulls at Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Eagles defeated the Rochester (MI) Warriors 77-67, while the Bulls beat the Saint Francis U Red Flash 82-67.
Buffalo played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.2 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.479. Saint Francis U was 21.6 and 0.409, respectively, for those same stats. The Eagles, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.9 vs. 19.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.190 vs. 0.092). Boubacar Toure played a pivotal role for Eastern Michigan with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Buffalo, meanwhile, received a boost from Nick Perkins, who finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulls won the only contest between these two teams last season, 83-69. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Buffalo’s biggest strengths. They had 36 free throw attempts, while Eastern Michigan had 21. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Eastern Michigan might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the nation’s best defenses. Buffalo ranks 77th in defensive efficiency while the Eagles rank 232nd in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Bulls could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank 51st in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.7 percent. The Eagles, meanwhile, rank 307th in defensive rebounding percentage (67.2 percent).
Buffalo Bulls at Eastern Michigan Eagles Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Eastern Michigan, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo averages 28.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 20th in the NCAA. Eastern Michigan ranks 240th in three pointers allowed per game (26.8).
- The Eagles rank 59th in rebounds per game (38.5) while the Bulls rank 192nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
- Eastern Michigan blocks 4.5 opponent shots per game, which ranks 42nd in the NCAA. Buffalo ranks 127th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
- The Bulls rank 15th in assists per game (17.5) while the Eagles rank 235th in assists allowed per game (18.0).
- Buffalo ranks sixth in steals allowed per game (4.5) while Eastern Michigan ranks 152nd (7.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Eagles have outscored opponents by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Eastern Michigan has been defeated by an average of 0.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 85.8 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
