The FIU Golden Panthers (9-4) will be at the Murphy Athletic Center to meet the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-10) in a CUSA matchup. Action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
FIU Golden Panthers vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders ATS Odds
Both teams thoroughly outplayed their last opponent. The Blue Raiders defeated the Lees-McRae Bobcats 91-69, while the Golden Panthers beat the Webber International Warriors 110-84.
The Golden Panthers had a much better turnover percentage (14.8 vs. 22.4) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.571 vs. 0.412). The Blue Raiders, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.339 vs. 0.135) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.602 vs. 0.399). Middle Tennessee’s Reggie Scurry had a good game, putting up 19 points and 11 rebounds. Brian Beard Jr. played a pivotal role for FIU with 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
The Blue Raiders won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 71-66. The Blue Raiders’ 15.0 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Golden Panthers, who had a rate of 20.2. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Beard Jr. and Devon Andrews have been playing well over the last five games for FIU. Beard Jr. has averaged 0 points per game, while Andrews has put up 0 points a game during that span.
It might be an error-filled game for the Middle Tennessee offense. Middle Tennessee ranks 350th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 25.1 percent), while the disruptive defense of FIU forces the second-most turnovers in the NCAA (26.9 percent).
FIU vs. Middle Tennessee Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – FIU, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- FIU ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.5) while Middle Tennessee ranks 259th (16.2).
- The Blue Raiders average 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 87th in the NCAA. The Golden Panthers rank 257th in rebounds allowed per game (43.9).
- FIU blocks 4.1 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 61st in the nation. Middle Tennessee ranks 133rd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
- The Golden Panthers rank 22nd in assists per game (16.9) while the Blue Raiders rank 233rd (9.6).
- FIU averages 12.8 steals per game, which ranks first in the country. Middle Tennessee ranks 186th in steals allowed per game (9.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Golden Panthers have scored an average of 97.6 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.8 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
- The Blue Raiders have outscored opponents by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Middle Tennessee has lost by an average of 10.8 points.
