The Western Michigan Broncos (8-22, 2-15 MAC) welcome the Central Michigan Chippewas (20-10, 9-8 MAC) to University Arena in Read Fieldhouse as the regular season wraps up. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 8, 2019.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last outing. The Broncos were blown out by the Toledo Rockets, 76-57, while the Chippewas lost a winnable game to the Northern Illinois Huskies, 89-86.
Central Michigan did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (24-29; 82.8 percent) while Western Michigan forced Toledo into a turnover percentage of 22.2 (above their season average of 15.2). Michael Flowers had a solid game for Western Michigan with 21 points. Larry Austin Jr. had a good game for Central Michigan, recording 19 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
In their first matchup this year, Austin Jr. led the Chippewas to an 85-64 win. He notched a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Chippewas’ 9.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Broncos, who had a rate of 25.0.
The productive offense of Central Michigan (44th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 112.0) will battle against the bottom-tier defense of Western Michigan (294th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 108.2). The Chippewas should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Western Michigan, ATS Winner – Western Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Central Michigan ranks 37th in steals per game (7.7) while Western Michigan ranks 227th (4.8).
- The Chippewas average 23.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 123rd in the nation. The Broncos rank 202nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
- Central Michigan ranks 112th in blocks per game (3.3) while Western Michigan ranks 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- The Broncos average 36.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 85th in the NCAA. The Chippewas rank 243rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.4).
- Central Michigan ranks 158th in assists per game (13.2) while Western Michigan ranks 238th (11.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Broncos’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 5.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Chippewas have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (6.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (2.9 below their season average).