The Sam Houston State Bearkats (3-4) will be at home in Johnson Coliseum when they meet the Central Michigan Chippewas (5-1). The game gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.
Central Michigan Chippewas at Sam Houston State Bearkats ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Bearkats fell to the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 77-63, while the Chippewas easily got past the Siena Heights Saints, 103-75.
Central Michigan dominated every stat category in the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.583 (above their season average of 0.254) and a turnover percentage of 16.5 (worse than their season average of 13.5). For those same stats, Siena Heights was 0.167 and 24.7, respectively. Sam Houston State, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.519 vs. 0.585). Kai Mitchell was a key piece for Sam Houston State with 16 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Kevin McKay had a solid performance for Central Michigan, finishing with 23 points.
The Chippewas won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 71-60. One of Central Michigan’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-18 (88.9 percent), while the Bearkats were just 3-7 (42.9 percent).
The offensive glass should be a major advantage for Sam Houston State in this showdown. The Bearkats rank 64th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.6 percent), while Central Michigan ranks 254th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.0 percent) dating back to the 2017-18 season. Moreover, the Chippewas have committed the 42nd-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Bearkats has caused the 57th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.0 percent).
Central Michigan Chippewas at Sam Houston State Bearkats Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Sam Houston State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Central Michigan ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while Sam Houston State ranks 278th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
- The Bearkats average 14.6 assists per game, which ranks 99th in the NCAA. The Chippewas rank 121st in assists allowed per game (12.8).
- Sam Houston State ranks 47th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Central Michigan ranks 67th (5.5).
- The Chippewas rank 139th in blocks per game (3.5) while the Bearkats rank 281st (1.7).
- Sam Houston State averages 37.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 62nd in the NCAA. Central Michigan ranks 184th in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
