The Central Michigan Chippewas (23-10, 12-8 MAC) go head-to-head against the 18th-ranked Buffalo Bulls (29-3, 17-2 MAC) in the Mid-American Conference Tourney at Quicken Loans Arena. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Buffalo Bulls Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last contest. The Bulls (13.5-point favorites) defeated the Akron Zips 82-46, while the Chippewas (9-point underdog) beat the Kent State Golden Flashes 89-81. The Buffalo game finished 36 points under the projected point total of 164, while the Central Michigan game went 16 points over the projected point total of 154.
The Chippewas made 24 of their 31 free throws (77.4 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.551 (above their season average of 0.521). Meanwhile, Buffalo played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.9 (below their season average of 32.3) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.536). For those same stats, Akron was 10.4 and 0.271, respectively. Buffalo’s Jeremy Harris played well, recording 23 points and eight rebounds. Larry Austin Jr., meanwhile played a key role for Central Michigan with 23 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Games featuring the Chippewas have gone over the O/U total 51.7 percent of the time. Central Michigan holds records of 23-10 straight up (SU) and 18-10-1 against the spread (ATS).
In opposition of Central Michigan, just over half of Bulls games have finished under the total. Additionally, Buffalo is 29-3 SU and 16-12-1 ATS.
This matchup figures to be a high-scoring affair as two of the nation’s top offenses battle. Buffalo currently ranks 16th with 114.4 points per 100 possessions and Central Michigan is 43rd (112.3). Moreover, the Chippewas commit the 51st-fewest errors in the country (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while the pesky defense of the Bulls causes the 48th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.3 percent).
Central Michigan vs. Buffalo ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo ranks fourth in rebounds per game (41.1) while Central Michigan ranks 258th in rebounds allowed per game (38.0).
- The Bulls rank 66th in blocks per game (4.0) while the Chippewas rank 198th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
- Buffalo averages 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 50th in the country. Central Michigan ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (5.1).
- The Bulls rank 13th in three pointers attempted per game (28.3) while the Chippewas rank 178th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
- Buffalo ranks 13th in assists per game (17.0) while Central Michigan ranks 149th (13.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Chippewas are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulls are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Central Michigan has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Buffalo has 4 unders and 1 over.
- During their last five games, the Chippewas have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
- The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.2, down from 14.8 for the season.
