The Ohio Bobcats (8-6, 0-2 MAC) will be at John E. Worthen Arena to take on the Ball State Cardinals (10-5, 1-1 MAC) in a MAC matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Ohio Bobcats at Ball State Cardinals Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Cardinals lost a tough one against the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 84-82, while the Bobcats got blown out by the Bowling Green Falcons, 82-63.
Ohio had a better turnover percentage (17.6 vs. 16.0) while Ball State forced Eastern Michigan into a turnover percentage of 21.7 (above their season average of 17.2). Tahjai Teague fueled Ball State with 28 points and 14 rebounds. Jason Carter led the way for Ohio, contributing 22 points and six rebounds.
The Cardinals won the lone game between these two teams last season, 75-68. Ball State’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Ohio. The Cardinals had a rate of 0.563 while the Bobcats posted a mark of 0.443. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Teague has been exceptional recently for Ball State, averaging 18 points,9.2 rebounds,1.8 steals over the last five games.
The high-octane offense of Ball State (19th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 116.4) will square off against the mid-tier defense of Ohio (139th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 99.5). The Cardinals should have the edge on that end of the court.
Ohio Bobcats vs. Ball State Cardinals Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Ball State, ATS Winner – Ohio, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 50th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while Ohio ranks 180th (9.4).
- The Bobcats rank 41st in rebounds per game (39.5) while the Cardinals rank 87th in rebounds allowed per game (33.8).
- The Cardinals rank 55th in assists per game (15.6) while the Bobcats rank 155th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- Ohio ranks 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Ball State ranks 82nd (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bobcats have scored an average of 65.4 points per game (7.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.2 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 23.0, up from 10.9 for the season.
