The Western Michigan Broncos (4-3) will be at home in University Arena in Read Fieldhouse when they go head-to-head with the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (4-3). Action gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview
The last time the Golden Grizzlies played, they beat the Texas Southern Tigers, 97-87. Brailen Neely was Oakland’s high scorer with 22 points on 7-for-9 shooting. Oakland dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.328 (above their season average of 0.201) and a turnover percentage of 9.3 (better than their season average of 18.1). For those same stats, Texas Southern was 0.197 and 15.1, respectively.
The Broncos will look to maintain momentum after beating the Saint Louis Billikens in their last outing, 65-51. Western Michigan’s Bryce Moore had a good outing, contributing 14 points. The Broncos, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.6, had a phenomenal mark of 41.9 and held the Billikens to an effective field goal percentage of 0.390 (below their season average of 0.478).
Oakland could have a tough time creating turnovers. Since the 2016-17 season, Western Michigan ranks 98th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.8 percent), while Oakland has forced the 219th-most turnovers (18.5 percent).
Of Oakland’s 5 games with betting action, three have finished under the O/U total, while 2 of Western Michigan’s 5 games have finished over the projected point total. Both teams have respectable straight up (SU) records (4-3 for Oakland; 4-3 for Western Michigan), but the Broncos have the edge against the spread (ATS). Western Michigan is 2-3 ATS, while the Golden Grizzlies are 1-4.
The Golden Grizzlies won the lone contest against the Broncos last season, 77-60. Oakland had a much better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 18.6). Western Michigan, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.7 vs. 21.6).
Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Western Michigan Broncos Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Western Michigan, ATS Winner – Western Michigan, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Golden Grizzlies rank 122nd in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while the Broncos rank 271st (18.4).
- Oakland ranks 45th in steals per game (7.4) while Western Michigan ranks 150th (6.2).
- Oakland ranks 13th in assists per game (17.0) while Western Michigan ranks 197th (13.2).
- The Broncos rank 83rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.6) while the Golden Grizzlies rank 255th (37.2).
- Oakland ranks 28th in blocks per game (5.0) while Western Michigan ranks 178th (3.0).
