The Milwaukee Panthers (4-8) head to University Arena in Read Fieldhouse to challenge the Western Michigan Broncos (5-6). The Panthers can put an end to a six-game road losing streak. Action gets underway at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN 3.
Milwaukee Panthers at Western Michigan Broncos Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Broncos defeated the Detroit Titans, 89-76, while the Panthers lost big to the Boston College Eagles, 73-53.
Western Michigan played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 53.7 and a free throw rate of 0.288. Detroit recorded marks of 35.8 and 0.214, respectively, for those same stats. Milwaukee, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (10.2 vs. 10.2). Seth Dugan had a good outing for Western Michigan, recording 32 points, 22 rebounds and six assists. Milwaukee received a boost from Darius Roy, who put up 15 points and six assists.
The Broncos won the lone game between these two teams last season, 66-63. One of Western Michigan’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 8-9 (88.9 percent), while the Panthers were just 2-5 (40.0 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Roy has really been playing well recently for Milwaukee, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
The physical Western Michigan offense could be living from the foul line in this matchup. The Broncos currently rank 30th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.299, while Milwaukee is among the nation’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 133rd-ranked FTA rate of 0.259).
Milwaukee vs. Western Michigan Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Western Michigan, ATS Winner – Western Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Michigan averages 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 85th in the NCAA. Milwaukee ranks 124th in rebounds allowed per game (38.2).
- The Panthers rank 155th in steals per game (3.7) while the Broncos rank 157th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
- The Panthers average 2.8 blocks per game, which ranks 82nd in the nation. The Broncos rank 94th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- Milwaukee averages 23.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 148th in the nation. Western Michigan ranks 153rd in three pointers allowed per game (23.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
- The Panthers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.4, up from 4.7 for the season.
