The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-2) and the Illinois State Redbirds (1-2) face off in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off at HTC Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147.5 points with Tulsa set as a 1-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 19, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane ATS Preview
The last time the Redbirds played, they got blown out by the Boise State Broncos, 82-64. With 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting, Keyshawn Evans was the top scorer from either team. Boise State did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (26-35; 74.3 percent). Illinois State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.1 vs. 23.0).
The Golden Hurricane are trying to rebound after their 80-78 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones in their last outing. Junior Etou was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 7-for-9 shooting. Iowa State had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1 (above their season average of 25.5). Tulsa, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.579 vs. 0.541).
Tulsa might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the nations best defenses. Illinois State ranks 20th in defensive efficiency, while the Golden Hurricane rank 256th in offensive efficiency since last season.
Since last season, the Redbirds are 28-8 straight up (SU) and 19-17 against the spread (ATS). Games involving Illinois State have had a tendency to go under the projected point total since last season (61.1 percent).
On the other hand, the Golden Hurricane, have records of 17-19 SU and 18-15-1 ATS since last season. Over that same time frame, games featuring Tulsa have gone over the O/U total 58.8 percent of the time.
Each team won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last matchup, the Redbirds won 68-56. The Redbirds turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Golden Hurricane. Illinois State had a rate of 12.7, while Tulsa posted a mark of 21.9.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois State, ATS Winner – Illinois State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Redbirds average 23.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 91st in the nation. The Golden Hurricane rank 227th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5).
- Illinois State ranks 132nd in rebounds per game (36.5) while Tulsa ranks 226th (34.7).
- Illinois State ranks 62nd in steals per game (7.1) while Tulsa ranks 266th (4.7).
- The Redbirds rank 28th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Golden Hurricane rank 228th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- Illinois State ranks 132nd in assists per game (14.0) while Tulsa ranks 275th (11.5).
