The Western Illinois Leathernecks (6-2) will be at home in Western Hall when they meet the Milwaukee Panthers (6-3). Milwaukee is a 3.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 129 points. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017.
Milwaukee Panthers vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks ATS Preview
The last time the Panthers played, they were victorious over the Jacksonville Dolphins, 62-52. With 13 points and 12 rebounds, Bryce Nze had a solid game for Milwaukee. The Panthers held the Dolphins to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.4 (below their season average of 27.3) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.400 (below their season average of 0.473).
The Leathernecks come in on a high note after beating the American University Eagles in their last outing, 69-56. With 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting, Brandon Gilbeck led Western Illinois in scoring. The Leathernecks knocked down 11 of their 14 free throws (78.6 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.630 (above their season average of 0.571).
It could be a tough game for Western Illinois on the offensive glass. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Leathernecks rank 343rd in offensive rebounding percentage (20.9 percent), while Milwaukee ranks eighth in defensive rebounding percentage (74.5 percent).
Games involving these teams tend to go under the projected point total. Milwaukee games have finished under 71.4 percent of the time, while Western Illinois games have finished under 60.0 percent of the time. The Leathernecks hold the significant advantage straight up (SU) (6-2 vs. 6-3), but the Panthers have been superior against the spread (ATS) (4-3 vs. 3-2).
The Leathernecks won the sole contest against the Panthers last season, 75-59. Western Illinois 0.613 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Milwaukee, who had a rate of 0.442.
Milwaukee Panthers at Western Illinois Leathernecks ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Western Illinois, ATS Winner – Western Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Panthers rank 41st in three pointers allowed per game (21.0) while the Leathernecks rank 121st (20.6).
- Milwaukee ranks 176th in steals per game (5.0) while Western Illinois ranks 253rd (5.0).
- Milwaukee ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (33.1) while Western Illinois ranks 202nd (36.1).
- The Panthers rank 16th in assists allowed per game (13.0) while the Leathernecks rank 157th (13.3).
- Western Illinois ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Milwaukee ranks 125th (3.5).
