The Eastern Kentucky Colonels (7-12, 4-2 OVC) will be at Pete Mathews Coliseum to square off with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-11, 3-3 OVC) in an OVC matchup. Action starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Gamecocks defeated the SIUE Cougars 64-56, while the Colonels beat the Tennessee State Tigers 92-88.
The Colonels knocked down 21 of their 24 free throws (87.5 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.563 (above their season average of 0.455). Meanwhile, Jacksonville State’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over SIUE. The Gamecocks had a rate of 0.490 (below their season average of 0.521), while the Cougars posted a mark of 0.348 (below their season average of 0.487). Kayne Henry played well for Jacksonville State, finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Eastern Kentucky rallied around Jomaru Brown, who recorded 37 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Jacara Cross led the Gamecocks to an 80-71 victory. He was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points. Making free throws was one of Jacksonville State’s largest strengths. They were 15-18 (83.3 percent), while the Colonels were just 5-9 (55.6 percent).
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Jacksonville State offense. Jacksonville State ranks 286th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.1 percent), while the pesky defense of Eastern Kentucky forces the 18th-most turnovers in the country (24.6 percent).
Eastern Kentucky at Jacksonville State Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Jacksonville State, ATS Winner – Jacksonville State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Jacksonville State ranks 76th in rebounds allowed per game (33.3) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 278th (41.3).
- The Colonels rank 33rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.9) while the Gamecocks rank 135th (22.5).
- The Gamecocks rank 85th in assists per game (14.0) while the Colonels rank 223rd in assists allowed per game (15.3).
- Eastern Kentucky ranks 16th in steals per game (9.3) while Jacksonville State ranks 121st in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Gamecocks have scored an average of 69.6 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
- The Colonels’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 3.1 for the season.
