The Western Illinois Leathernecks (8-18, 3-10 Summit) wrap up their home schedule at Western Hall against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (10-19, 6-8 Summit). Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN 3.
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last game. The Leathernecks fell to the Omaha Mavericks, 77-63, while the Golden Eagles were defeated by the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, 85-73.
Oral Roberts held North Dakota to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below their season average of 23.4) while Western Illinois did a great job of converting from the free throw line (5-6; 83.3 percent). Brandon Gilbeck played well for Western Illinois with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Oral Roberts received a boost from Kevin Obanor, who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Emmanuel Nzekwesi led the Golden Eagles to an 82-63 win. He recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Oral Roberts won the rebounding battle. The Golden Eagles had 18 offensive rebounds and 44 total rebounds, while the Leathernecks had nine and 27, respectively.
The Golden Eagles’ Obanor has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 21 points,10.0 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, C.J. Duff has averaged 16 points during that same time frame for the Leathernecks.
Western Illinois should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Western Illinois ranks 27th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while Oral Roberts forces the 13th-fewest turnovers (15.4 percent). Also, the Golden Eagles rank 329th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.177), while the Leathernecks rank 22nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.177).
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Illinois, ATS Winner – Western Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Oral Roberts ranks 70th in rebounds allowed per game (32.8) while Western Illinois ranks 240th (37.1).
- The Golden Eagles rank 129th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while the Leathernecks rank 169th in three pointers allowed per game (22.7).
- The Leathernecks rank 88th in assists allowed per game (12.3) while the Golden Eagles rank 246th (15.5).
- Western Illinois ranks 29th in blocks per game (4.5) while Oral Roberts ranks 113th (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Golden Eagles have outscored opponents by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Oral Roberts has lost by an average of 5.2 points.
- During their last five games, the Leathernecks have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.6 points per game (7.5 above their season average).
