The Cleveland State Vikings (5-13, 0-5 Hor) and the UIC Flames (8-9, 2-2 Hor) battle at Credit Union 1 Arena. The Vikings look to snap their five-game losing streak. Action begins at 4:12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Cleveland State Vikings at UIC Flames Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Flames were victorious over the Youngstown State Penguins, 78-63, while the Vikings lost to the IUPUI Jaguars, 90-74.
UIC’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Youngstown State. The Flames had a rate of 0.679 (above their season average of 0.551), while the Penguins posted a mark of 0.385 (below their season average of 0.496). Cleveland State, meanwhile, forced IUPUI into a turnover percentage of 23.3 (above their season average of 16.5). Tarkus Ferguson played a pivotal role for UIC with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Stefan Kenic, meanwhile had a good outing for Cleveland State, putting up 18 points and nine rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Vikings won the last game 86-78. The Vikings’ 15.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Flames, who had a rate of 19.3. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Ferguson has been impressive recently for UIC, averaging 14 points,7.4 rebounds,5.0 assists,1.8 steals over the last five games.
UIC appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Flames currently rank 32nd in effective field goal percentage (0.558), while Cleveland State ranks 179th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.498).
Cleveland State Vikings at UIC Flames Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UIC, ATS Winner – Cleveland State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UIC averages 27.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 29th in the nation. Cleveland State ranks 176th in three pointers allowed per game (23.9).
- The Flames rank 39th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Vikings rank 84th (3.3).
- UIC averages 6.6 steals per game, which ranks 98th in the NCAA. Cleveland State ranks 140th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- The Vikings average 37.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 91st in the country. The Flames rank 208th in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
- UIC ranks 97th in assists per game (14.4) while Cleveland State ranks 203rd in assists allowed per game (15.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Vikings’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 2.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Flames have scored an average of 70.2 points per game (5.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (10.5 below their season average).
