Cleveland State Vikings at Niagara Purple Eagles Betting Odds

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The Cleveland State Vikings (3-6) will attempt to put an end to a five-game road losing streak when they challenge the Niagara Purple Eagles (5-6) at Gallagher Center. Niagara opened as a 7.5-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 156 points. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 19, 2017.

Cleveland State Vikings vs. Niagara Purple Eagles ATS Preview

In the Vikings last contest, they had no trouble getting past the Notre Dame College of Ohio Falcons, 89-56. With 17 points and eight rebounds, Cleveland State’s Kenny Carpenter played well. The Vikings had a much better turnover percentage (14.7 vs. 33.1) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.580 vs. 0.418).

The Purple Eagles hope to keep it rolling after barely hanging on to beat the Norfolk State Spartans in their last game, 85-82. Niagara received a boost from Matt Scott, who was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points on 5-for-9 shooting. Niagara played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.389 (above their season average of 0.292) and a turnover percentage of 17.9 (worse than their season average of 12.0). Norfolk State recorded marks of 0.262 and 20.6, respectively, for those same stats.

Ball protection could play a key role in this battle. Since the 2016-17 season, Niagara has committed the seventh-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 17.1 percent), while the pesky defense of Cleveland State has forced the 53rd-most (opponents turnover percentage of 22.6 percent).

Of Cleveland State’s 6 games that accepted bets, three have finished over the O/U total, while 7 of Niagara’s 7 games have finished over the projected point total. The Purple Eagles have the significant advantage straight up (SU) (5-6 vs. 3-6) and a slight edge against the spread (ATS) (4-3 vs. 3-3).

Cleveland State Vikings at Niagara Purple Eagles Prediction

Predictions: SU Winner – Niagara, ATS Winner – Cleveland State, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2016-Present):

  • The Purple Eagles allow the second-fewest steals per game (5.4) while the Vikings rank 24th (5.0).
  • Niagara averages 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 76th in the nation. Cleveland State ranks 84th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
  • Niagara ranks 155th in rebounds per game (37.5) while Cleveland State ranks 207th in rebounds allowed per game (37.8).
  • The Purple Eagles rank 183rd in assists per game (12.6) while the Vikings rank 230th (10.9).
  • Cleveland State averages 23.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 95th in the NCAA. Niagara ranks 121st in three pointers allowed per game (22.0).