The Eastern Illinois Panthers (13-10, 6-4 OVC) will be at the CFSB Center to challenge the Murray State Racers (17-4, 8-2 OVC) in an OVC matchup. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019.
Eastern Illinois Panthers at Murray State Racers Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Racers defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, 67-63, while the Panthers were beaten by the Morehead State Eagles, 84-78.
Murray State’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Tennessee Tech. The Racers had a rate of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.561), while the Golden Eagles posted a mark of 0.412 (below their season average of 0.492). Eastern Illinois, on the other hand, was on fire from three-point land (10-20; 50.0 percent). Murray State rallied around Ja Morant, who contributed 28 points, five assists and five steals. Ben Harvey, meanwhile was a key piece for Eastern Illinois with 11 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Morant led the Racers to an 83-61 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points. The Racers’ 36.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Panthers, who had a rate of 23.4.
The high-octane offense of Murray State (13th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 116.2) will go head-to-head against the bottom-tier defense of Eastern Illinois (273rd in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 106.5). The Racers should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Eastern Illinois Panthers at Murray State Racers ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Murray State averages 18.2 assists per game, which ranks fifth in the country. Eastern Illinois ranks 213th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
- The Racers average 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 26th in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 142nd in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- Murray State blocks 4.7 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 25th in the NCAA. Eastern Illinois ranks 118th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Racers average 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 72nd in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 234th in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
- Murray State ranks 47th in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while Eastern Illinois ranks 172nd (23.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (5.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
- The Panthers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 3.0 for the season.
