It will be a showdown between two phenomenal offenses when the Western Illinois Leathernecks (5-10, 2-3 Summit) square off against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (9-8, 2-2 Summit) at Western Hall. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020.
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles at Western Illinois Leathernecks ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Leathernecks defeated the Denver Pioneers 86-80, while the Golden Eagles beat the North Dakota Fighting Hawks 88-73.
Oral Roberts’ 0.669 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over North Dakota, who had a mark of 0.527. The Golden Eagles’ mark was above their season average of 0.487. Meanwhile, Western Illinois’ free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Denver. The Leathernecks had a rate of 0.321 (above their season average of 0.169), while the Pioneers posted a mark of 0.276. Western Illinois was lifted by Zion Young, who put up 17 points and eight rebounds. Max Abmas, meanwhile fueled Oral Roberts with 27 points.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent contest, the Leathernecks won 75-66. The Leathernecks’ 11.4 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Golden Eagles, who had a rate of 13.8. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Oral Roberts could have a difficult time creating turnovers. Western Illinois ranks second in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.4 percent), while Oral Roberts forces the 252nd-most turnovers (18.6 percent). Also, the Golden Eagles’ 43rd-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 110.0) will battle against the Leathernecks’ 331st-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 108.8).
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles at Western Illinois Leathernecks ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Oral Roberts, ATS Winner – Western Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Oral Roberts ranks 26th in rebounds per game (40.4) while Western Illinois ranks 258th in rebounds allowed per game (39.5).
- The Golden Eagles average 25.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 53rd in the country. The Leathernecks rank 135th in three pointers allowed per game (21.8).
- Western Illinois is 19th in the NCAA with 5.0 steals allowed per game while Oral Roberts is 34th with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Leathernecks have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 83.4 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
- The Golden Eagles have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Oral Roberts has defeated opponents by an average of 7.4 points.
