The Tennessee State Tigers (12-6, 4-1 OVC) welcome the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (6-12, 3-2 OVC) to Gentry Center. The Tigers will attempt to extend their eight-game home winning streak, while the Colonels look to end their nine-game road losing streak. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Tennessee State Tigers Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Tigers defeated the Morehead State Eagles, 64-48, while the Colonels lost big to the Belmont Bruins, 87-56.
Tennessee State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.151 (below their season average of 0.228) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.528 (below their season average of 0.553). Morehead State was 0.066 and 0.361, respectively, for those same stats. Eastern Kentucky, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.4 vs. 12.4). Shakem Johnson had a good outing for Tennessee State, contributing 12 points and 11 rebounds. Eastern Kentucky rallied around Jomaru Brown, who had 25 points and five rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Colonels won the last contest 75-65. Eastern Kentucky made good use of their 34 trips to the free throw line, converting on 30 of them (88.2 percent). Tennessee State, on the other hand, was 8-11 (72.7 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Tennessee State figures to have a noteworthy edge. The elite Tigers offense ranks 21st in the country in that metric at 0.552, while the porous Eastern Kentucky defense is ranked 277th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.514).
Eastern Kentucky at Tennessee State Free Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Tennessee State, ATS Winner – Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Tennessee State ranks 32nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 275th (41.2).
- The Tigers rank 38th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Colonels rank 164th (2.4).
- Eastern Kentucky ranks 35th in three pointers attempted per game (26.8) while Tennessee State ranks 137th (22.1).
- The Tigers rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (10.1) while the Colonels rank 226th (15.3).
- Eastern Kentucky ranks 12th in steals per game (9.6) while Tennessee State ranks 181st (5.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Colonels’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 3.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
