The Eastern Kentucky Colonels (11-12, 8-2 OVC) and the Eastern Illinois Panthers (11-11, 4-6 OVC) face off at Lantz Arena. The Colonels look to prolong their five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, 2020.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Eastern Illinois Panthers ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Panthers were beaten by the Austin Peay Governors, 68-64, while the Colonels defeated the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 70-57.
Eastern Kentucky dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.7 (better than their season average of 16.3) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.4 (below their season average of 26.5). For those same stats, Southeast Missouri State put up marks of 22.7 and 18.9, respectively. Eastern Illinois, on the other hand, held Austin Peay to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.1 (below their season average of 33.4). Eastern Illinois received a boost from Mack Smith, who finished with 13 points. Meanwhile, Jomaru Brown fueled Eastern Kentucky with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this season, Brown led the Colonels to a 77-74 victory. He scored a game-high 24 points. Getting to the free throw line was one of Eastern Kentucky’s largest strengths. They had 28 free throw attempts, while Eastern Illinois had 19.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Eastern Illinois offense. Eastern Illinois ranks 120th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of Eastern Kentucky forces the 14th-most turnovers in the nation (24.9 percent).
Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Eastern Kentucky ranks 34th in three pointers attempted per game (26.7) while Eastern Illinois ranks 240th (18.9).
- The Panthers rank 41st in blocks per game (4.5) while the Colonels rank 185th (2.2).
- Eastern Illinois ranks 54th in steals per game (7.7) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 135th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- The Panthers rank 95th in rebounds per game (37.1) while the Colonels rank 275th in rebounds allowed per game (40.7).
- Eastern Illinois ranks 75th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 235th (15.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Colonels have outscored opponents by an average of 8.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Eastern Kentucky has been defeated by an average of 1.0 point.
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
