Expect a high-scoring game when the Belmont Bruins (13-4, 4-2 OVC) go head-to-head with the Murray State Racers (15-2, 6-0 OVC) at CFSB Center. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Belmont Bruins vs. Murray State Racers ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Racers defeated the SIUE Cougars 82-72, while the Bruins won big over the Tennessee State Tigers 92-74.
Belmont dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.760 (above their season average of 0.547) and a free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.196). Tennessee State put up marks of 0.477 and 0.167, respectively, for those same stats. Murray State, meanwhile, made good use of their 31 trips to the free throw line, converting on 27 of them (87.1 percent). SIUE was 16-16 (100.0 percent). Ja Morant had a good outing for Murray State with 40 points, 11 assists and five steals. Belmont, meanwhile, was lifted by Nick Muszynski, who recorded 23 points, six rebounds and five assists.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent game, the Racers won 68-51. The Racers’ 7.9 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Bruins, who had a rate of 18.3. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as a pair of the country’s top offenses battle. Murray State ranks seventh with 118.2 points per 100 possessions and Belmont is 57th (111.9).
Belmont Bruins at Murray State Racers Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Murray State averages 38.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 71st in the nation. Belmont ranks 212th in rebounds allowed per game (37.1).
- The Racers rank fourth in assists per game (19.3) while the Bruins rank 107th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
- Murray State ranks 23rd in steals per game (8.4) while Belmont ranks 117th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- The Racers rank 19th in blocks per game (5.1) while the Bruins rank 133rd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
- Belmont ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while Murray State ranks 128th (23.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Racers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.6, down from 18.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 87.4 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
