It will be a matchup between two outstanding offenses when the Ball State Cardinals (14-12, 5-8 MAC) challenge the Central Michigan Chippewas (18-8, 7-6 MAC) at John E. Worthen Arena. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Ball State Cardinals ATS Odds
In their last game, the Cardinals lost a close one to the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 69-66, while the Chippewas defeated the Kent State Golden Flashes, 84-74.
Central Michigan dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.587 (above their season average of 0.524) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.2 (above their season average of 33.1). For those same stats, Kent State was 0.402 and 40.0, respectively. Ball State, on the other hand, forced Miami (OH) into a turnover percentage of 21.3 (above their season average of 16.0). K.J. Walton played a key role for Ball State with 11 points. Larry Austin Jr. led the way for Central Michigan, putting up 17 points, 11 assists and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Walton led the Cardinals to an 83-72 victory. He scored a game-high 24 points. Ball State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.615 vs. 0.508). Central Michigan, on the other hand, did a terrific job of making free throws (11-15; 73.3 percent).
There should be plenty of transition action in this matchup that features a pair of the NCAA’s more up-and-down teams. Ball State ranks 56th in possessions per game (72.3) and Central Michigan is 25th (74.2).
Central Michigan Chippewas at Ball State Cardinals Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Central Michigan, ATS Winner – Central Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ball State averages 38.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 42nd in the nation. Central Michigan ranks 247th in rebounds allowed per game (37.3).
- The Cardinals average 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 101st in the nation. The Chippewas rank 176th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
- The Chippewas rank 117th in three pointers attempted per game (23.3) while the Cardinals rank 247th (19.3).
- Central Michigan averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 36th in the country. Ball State ranks 129th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Chippewas have scored an average of 80.8 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 5.3 for the season.
