The Denver Pioneers (5-10, 0-1 Summit) will be at Western Hall to take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks (5-9, 0-1 Summit) in a Summit matchup. Action begins at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 30, 2018.
Denver Pioneers at Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Leathernecks lost to the Creighton Bluejays, 78-67, while the Pioneers beat the Maine Black Bears, 63-50.
Denver played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.151 and a turnover percentage of 13.5. Maine recorded marks of 0.103 and 19.3, respectively, for those same stats. Western Illinois, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (13.1 vs. 14.3). Kobe Webster played a pivotal role for Western Illinois with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Denver, meanwhile, received a boost from Ronnie Harrell Jr., who contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The Pioneers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last contest, Denver won 89-52. The Pioneers’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Leathernecks. Denver had a rate of 8.4, while Western Illinois posted a mark of 22.0. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Webster has been impressive recently for Western Illinois, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
It might be a tough matchup for Western Illinois on the offensive glass. The Leathernecks rank 312th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 percent), while Denver ranks 49th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.5 percent). Furthermore, the Pioneers, who rank 320th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.178), could struggle to get to the line against the Leathernecks, who rank 34th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.177).
Denver Pioneers at Western Illinois Leathernecks Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Western Illinois, ATS Winner – Denver, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Illinois ranks 35th in blocks per game (4.7) while Denver ranks 122nd (2.7).
- The Leathernecks rank 157th in three pointers attempted per game (21.7) while the Pioneers rank 216th in three pointers allowed per game (26.0).
- Denver averages 35.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 171st in the country. Western Illinois ranks 205th in rebounds allowed per game (38.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Leathernecks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 0.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 61.4 points per game (7.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (12.9 below their season average).
