The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (6-8, 1-0 OVC) will be at McBrayer Arena to go head-to-head against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (4-10, 1-0 OVC) in an OVC matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Colonels defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 74-59, while the Gamecocks beat the Morehead State Eagles 76-72.
The Gamecocks, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.529, had a solid mark of 0.553 and had a free throw rate of 0.228 (above their season average of 0.164). The Colonels, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.107 vs. 0.063) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.607 (above their season average of 0.448). Tre King led the way for Eastern Kentucky, recording 15 points. Martin Roub, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Jacksonville State with 21 points.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Gamecocks won the most recent game 104-101. One of Jacksonville State’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 27 free throw attempts, while Eastern Kentucky had 19. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Conflicting styles will be on display in this battle. Eastern Kentucky likes to play up-tempo (fifth in possessions per game), while Jacksonville State is slower-paced (128th in possessions per game). Ball security could be troublesome for the Gamecocks. They rank 259th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 20.6 percent), while the Colonels force the seventh-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 26.9 percent).
Jacksonville State vs. Eastern Kentucky ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Jacksonville State, ATS Winner – Jacksonville State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Jacksonville State ranks 70th in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 254th (41.0).
- The Colonels rank 30th in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while the Gamecocks rank 107th (23.6).
- The Gamecocks rank 84th in assists per game (14.3) while the Colonels rank 204th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
- Eastern Kentucky averages 10.2 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the NCAA. Jacksonville State ranks 107th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gamecocks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.8, up from 5.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Colonels have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.2 points per game (5.6 above their season average).
