Chicago State Cougars vs. UMKC Kangaroos Betting Prediction 01/05/19

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The UMKC Kangaroos (5-10) welcome the Chicago State Cougars (3-12) to Swinney Recreation Center, where both teams will will try to end their losing streaks. The Cougars are on an eight-game losing streak, while the Kangaroos have lost six consecutive games. Action starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.

Chicago State Cougars at UMKC Kangaroos Betting Odds

Both teams were blown out in their last outing. The Kangaroos fell to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, 76-45, while the Cougars were defeated by the Indiana Hoosiers, 104-55.

Chicago State had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.275) while UMKC had a better turnover percentage (17.6 vs. 18.4). Brandon McKissic put together a solid outing for UMKC with 15 points. Anthony Harris, meanwhile had a good outing for Chicago State, recording 14 points.

This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last contest, the Cougars won 96-82. One of Chicago State’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 33 trips to the line, while UMKC went 23 times. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Chicago State. Chicago State ranks 341st in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 23.4 percent), while the gambling defense of UMKC forces the 68th-most turnovers in the nation (21.9 percent).

Chicago State Cougars at UMKC Kangaroos Odds Pick

Pick: SU Winner – UMKC, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • UMKC ranks 107th in three pointers attempted per game (23.5) while Chicago State ranks 266th (15.8).
  • The Kangaroos rank 187th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9) while the Cougars rank 227th (38.9).
  • The Kangaroos rank 26th in steals per game (8.5) while the Cougars rank 178th in steals allowed per game (8.8).
  • UMKC ranks 162nd in assists allowed per game (14.0) while Chicago State ranks 236th (18.0).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Cougars’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 32.4, up from 21.9 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Kangaroos have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 86.6 points per game (11.1 above their season average).