The Austin Peay Governors (15-7, 9-0 OVC) welcome the Eastern Illinois Panthers (11-10, 4-5 OVC) to Winfield Dunn Center. The Governors look to extend their nine-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Austin Peay Governors ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Governors had no trouble getting past the SIUE Cougars, 82-58, while the Panthers lost a tough one against the Murray State Racers, 73-70.
Austin Peay played a perfect contest. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.451 (above their season average of 0.270) and a turnover percentage of 13.6 (better than their season average of 15.8). SIUE was 0.145 and 17.4, respectively, for those same stats. Eastern Illinois, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 29.5). Austin Peay rallied around Terry Taylor, who contributed 11 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Meanwhile, George Dixon played a key role for Eastern Illinois with 10 points and 15 rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last game, the Governors won 94-86. Austin Peay made good use of their 32 trips to the free throw line, making 27 of them (84.4 percent). Eastern Illinois, on the other hand, was just 7-14 (50.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The physical Austin Peay offense could be living from the foul line in this battle. The Governors currently rank 35th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.277, while Eastern Illinois ranks 269th in FTA rate allowed (0.252).
Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Austin Peay Governors Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Austin Peay, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Eastern Illinois averages 13.9 assists per game, which ranks 100th in the country. Austin Peay ranks 200th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
- The Panthers rank 51st in steals per game (7.8) while the Governors rank 66th in steals allowed per game (5.8).
- The Panthers rank 38th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Governors rank 112th (3.2).
- Austin Peay ranks 50th in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while Eastern Illinois ranks 68th (19.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 7.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Governors have scored an average of 88.6 points per game (9.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.0 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
