The Murray State Racers (15-5, 8-0 OVC) welcome the Eastern Illinois Panthers (11-9, 4-4 OVC) to CFSB Center. The Racers look to continue their nine-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Eastern Illinois Panthers at Murray State Racers ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Racers beat the Tennessee State Tigers 76-64, while the Panthers barely escaped the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 61-59.
The Panthers had a solid free throw rate of 0.302 (above their season average of 0.219) and held the Redhawks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.386 (below their season average of 0.469). The Racers, on the other hand, knocked down 18 of their 22 free throws (81.8 percent), while the Tigers had a turnover percentage of 25.5 (above their season average of 19.9). Devin Gilmore had a good game for Murray State with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, George Dixon played well for Eastern Illinois, recording 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Racers dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent matchup, Murray State won 86-75. Murray State’s 0.292 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Eastern Illinois, who had a rate of 0.113. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The aggressive Murray State offense seems poised to dominate from the foul line. The Racers currently rank 13th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.294, while Eastern Illinois ranks 257th in FTA rate allowed (0.247).
Eastern Illinois Panthers at Murray State Racers Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Murray State ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while Eastern Illinois ranks 171st (35.9).
- The Panthers rank 218th in three pointers attempted per game (19.3) while the Racers rank 241st (18.3).
- The Panthers rank 35th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Racers rank 135th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- Murray State ranks 31st in assists per game (15.6) while Eastern Illinois ranks 81st (14.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, down from 7.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 84.4 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (7.2 above their season average).
