It will be a showdown between two sensational offenses when the Buffalo Bulls (14-9, 5-5 MAC), 6-point favorites, square off with the Central Michigan Chippewas (13-8, 6-2 MAC) at Alumni Arena. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 164 points and it can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7, 2020.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Buffalo Bulls Betting Odds
In the Chippewas’ last outing, they defeated the Bowling Green Falcons, 92-82, easily covering as 2-point favorites. The Bulls, on the other hand, were beaten by the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 66-62, and failed to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The Central Michigan game went 16 points over the projected point total of 158, while the Buffalo game finished 14 points under the projected point total of 142.
Central Michigan dominated every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.407 (above their season average of 0.258) and a turnover percentage of 9.0 (better than their season average of 14.4). For those same stats, Bowling Green was 0.250 and 14.0, respectively. Buffalo, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.5 (above their season average of 36.3). Buffalo was led by Josh Mballa, who contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds. Dallas Morgan, meanwhile led the way for Central Michigan, finishing with 29 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Jeenathan Williams led the Bulls to an 86-67 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points. The two teams combined for 153 points, which was under the projected point total of 166.5, and Buffalo covered as a 1-point favorite. Buffalo’s 0.521 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Central Michigan, who had a mark of 0.377.
Chippewas games have a tendency to finish over the total (55.6 percent). Central Michigan holds records of 13-8 straight up (SU) and 10-8 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Bulls games, with 12 overs compared to 10 unders. Buffalo has a respectable 14-9 SU record, but they are just 9-12-1 ATS.
There could be plenty of transition offense in this matchup that features a pair of the nation’s more up-tempo teams. Buffalo ranks 23rd in possessions per game (74.1) and Central Michigan is ninth (75.8).
Central Michigan Chippewas at Buffalo Bulls Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo ranks third in rebounds per game (42.3) while Central Michigan ranks 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
- The Chippewas average 9.3 steals per game, which ranks 12th in the NCAA. The Bulls rank 164th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- Buffalo ranks 23rd in blocks per game (4.8) while Central Michigan ranks 160th (2.5).
- The Bulls average 25.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 50th in the nation. The Chippewas rank 242nd in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
- Buffalo ranks 28th in assists per game (15.6) while Central Michigan ranks 198th (12.0).
- Buffalo is 4-6-1 ATS at home, while Central Michigan is 4-5 ATS on the road.
- The Chippewas have 5 overs and 4 unders in 9 road games.
- Of the Bulls’ 11 home games, they have 6 overs and 5 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- The Chippewas are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulls are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Central Michigan has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Buffalo has 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Chippewas’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 6.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
