The Youngstown State Penguins (5-12, 1-3 Hor) travel to Credit Union 1 Arena to challenge the UIC Flames (7-9, 1-2 Hor). The Penguins will attempt to snap a six-game road losing streak. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
Youngstown State Penguins at UIC Flames Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Flames fell to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 84-67, while the Penguins were defeated by the Pittsburgh Panthers, 69-53.
Youngstown State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.6 vs. 34.3) while UIC had a better turnover percentage (15.2 vs. 16.9). UIC rallied around Marcus Ottey, who put up 17 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Kendale Hampton was a key piece for Youngstown State with 15 points.
The Flames dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both games. In the most recent matchup, UIC won 100-75. One of UIC’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 31 free throw attempts, while Youngstown State had 20. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Tarkus Ferguson and Ottey have played well over the last five games for UIC. Ferguson has averaged 0 points, while Ottey has put up 0 points a game during that span.
The elite offense of UIC will face off against the bottom-tier defense of Youngstown State. The Flames currently rank 47th in effective field goal percentage (0.551), while the Penguins are 300th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.532). The Flames figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Moreover, the Penguins, who rank 28th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 percent), will battle against the Flames, who rank 267th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.5 percent).
Youngstown State Penguins at UIC Flames Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UIC, ATS Winner – UIC, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Youngstown State ranks 30th in rebounds per game (40.5) while UIC ranks 239th (33.2).
- The Penguins rank 103rd in assists per game (14.2) while the Flames rank 159th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
- The Flames rank 32nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.4) while the Penguins rank 179th in three pointers allowed per game (23.9).
- UIC ranks 45th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Youngstown State ranks 103rd (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Flames’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 1.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Penguins have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (0.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 80.0 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
