The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (1-3) will battle against the Eastern Illinois Panthers (1-2) at U.S. Cellular Center. The game begins at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, November 23, 2018.
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Panthers barely escaped the Western Illinois Leathernecks 68-66, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs easily got past the Savannah State Tigers 97-77.
Gardner-Webb played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.516) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.4 (above their season average of 24.5). Savannah State recorded marks of 0.457 and 26.5, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Western Illinois. The Panthers had a rate of 11.2, while the Leathernecks posted a mark of 18.2. Eastern Illinois’ Ben Harvey played well, putting up 11 points and 10 rebounds. Eric Jamison, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Gardner-Webb with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Gardner-Webb. Since the 2017-18 season, Gardner-Webb ranks 288th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.3 percent), while the gambling defense of Eastern Illinois has forced the 89th-most turnovers in the country (20.3 percent).
Gardner-Webb vs. Eastern Illinois ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Under
