The Long Beach State 49ers (5-7) will be at home in The Walter Pyramid when they take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-2). Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Long Beach State 49ers Free Preview
In the Eagles last matchup, they beat the Central State Marauders, 80-65. James Thompson IV was the games leading scorer with 19 points on 9-for-10 shooting. Eastern Michigan played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.203 (below their season average of 0.291) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 46.7 (above their season average of 32.4). For those same stats, Central State recorded marks of 0.123 and 34.4, respectively.
The 49ers will look to keep it rolling after beating the Pepperdine Waves in their last matchup, 78-71. Long Beach State rallied around Bryan Alberts, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 6-for-15 shooting. Long Beach State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.200 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 15.1 (better than their season average of 19.8). Pepperdine was 0.109 and 18.8, respectively, for those same stats.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Long Beach State. Dating back to last season, Long Beach State ranks 320th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.5 percent), while the disruptive defense of Eastern Michigan has forced the 41st-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.8 percent). Additionally, the Eagles rank 57th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 percent), while the 49ers rank 331st in defensive rebounding percentage (67.3 percent).
The Eagles won the only game against the 49ers last season, 98-72. The Eagles played a flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 17.4 and a great offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1. For those same stats, the 49ers were 23.9 and 23.5, respectively.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Long Beach State 49ers Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Eastern Michigan, ATS Winner – Eastern Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Eagles rank 40th in blocks per game (4.7) while the 49ers rank 114th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
- Eastern Michigan averages 9.9 steals per game, which ranks seventh in the NCAA. Long Beach State ranks 199th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
- The Eagles rank 116th in rebounds per game (36.9) while the 49ers rank 235th (35.0).
- Long Beach State ranks 101st in assists per game (13.5) while Eastern Michigan ranks 201st in assists allowed per game (15.2).
