The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (5-16, 1-7 CUSA) and the UTEP Miners (12-9, 3-5 CUSA) go head-to-head at Don Haskins Center. The Blue Raiders can put an end to a nine-game road losing streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at UTEP Miners Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Miners lost to the North Texas Mean Green, 67-57, while the Blue Raiders barely escaped the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 65-63.
Middle Tennessee played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 17.0) and a free throw rate of 0.386 (above their season average of 0.204). Southern Miss was 19.5 and 0.278, respectively, for those same stats. UTEP, on the other hand, held North Texas to an effective field goal percentage of 0.479 (below their season average of 0.559). Bryson Williams played well for UTEP, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds. Donovan Sims, meanwhile played a key role for Middle Tennessee with 13 points and five steals.
The Blue Raiders dominated this series last year, winning all three contests. In the most recent matchup, Middle Tennessee won 48-47. Middle Tennessee’s 0.212 free throw rate was their largest advantage over UTEP, who had a mark of 0.158. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The aggressive UTEP offense looks poised to dominate from the foul line. The Miners currently rank 16th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.290, while Middle Tennessee ranks 281st in FTA rate allowed (0.259).
Middle Tennessee vs. UTEP Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Utep, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UTEP ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while Middle Tennessee ranks 190th (14.3).
- The Blue Raiders rank 68th in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while the Miners rank 82nd in three pointers allowed per game (20.3).
- Middle Tennessee averages 7.0 steals per game, which ranks 96th in the nation. UTEP ranks 106th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- The Miners rank 13th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Blue Raiders rank 75th (3.1).
- UTEP ranks 184th in rebounds per game (34.8) while Middle Tennessee ranks 218th in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Blue Raiders have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
- The Miners have been outscored by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. On the season, UTEP has defeated opponents by an average of 3.1 points.
