The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (6-1) will be at home in Murphy Athletic Center when they go head-to-head against the Ole Miss Rebels (4-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017.
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Preview
The last time the Rebels played, they lost a close one to the Virginia Tech Hokies, 83-80. Ole Miss Terence Davis contributed 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the game. Virginia Tech did a fantastic job of making free throws (26-37; 70.3 percent). Ole Miss, meanwhile, held the Hokies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.1 (below their season average of 26.4).
The Blue Raiders hope to keep it rolling after barely hanging on to beat the Vanderbilt Commodores in their last contest, 66-63. Middle Tennessee received a boost from Nick King, who was the games high scorer with 23 points on 7-for-18 shooting. Middle Tennessee played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 38.9 (above their season average of 33.6) and a turnover percentage of 12.0 (better than their season average of 16.4). For those same stats, Vanderbilt put up marks of 30.6 and 12.6, respectively.
The high-octane offense of Middle Tennessee will face off against the mid-tier defense of Ole Miss. Since the 2016-17 season, the Blue Raiders rank 46th in offensive efficiency, while the Rebels are 214th in defensive efficiency. The Blue Raiders should have the advantage on that side of the ball. It will also be a battle of conflicting paces as the fast-breaking Rebels rank 54th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Blue Raiders rank 313th.
The Blue Raiders won the sole contest against the Rebels last season, 77-62. The Blue Raiders turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Rebels. Middle Tennessee had a rate of 9.7, while Ole Miss posted a mark of 22.0.
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Blue Raiders rank 16th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Rebels rank 187th (6.6).
- Middle Tennessee ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Ole Miss ranks 124th (3.3).
- Middle Tennessee ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Ole Miss ranks 269th (15.4).
- The Blue Raiders rank 43rd in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while the Rebels rank 283rd (24.8).
- Middle Tennessee ranks 11th in rebounds allowed per game (30.4) while Ole Miss ranks 220th (36.6).
