SIUE Cougars at Eastern Illinois Panthers Free Prediction 01/05/19

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The Eastern Illinois Panthers (8-6, 1-0 OVC) welcome the SIUE Cougars (5-8, 1-0 OVC) to Lantz Arena. The Cougars can put an end to a five-game road losing streak. Action begins at 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.

SIUE Cougars at Eastern Illinois Panthers ATS Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last outing. The Panthers fell to the Texas Longhorns, 71-59, while the Cougars were defeated by the Pacific Tigers, 74-65.

SIUE had a much better turnover percentage (15.1 vs. 26.4) while Eastern Illinois had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 20.0). Rade Kukobat had a good outing for Eastern Illinois, recording 12 points and seven rebounds. SIUE, meanwhile, was lifted by Brandon Jackson, who recorded 12 points and seven rebounds.

The Panthers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last game, Eastern Illinois won 68-56. Eastern Illinois’ 0.280 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over SIUE, who had a rate of 0.082. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

SIUE should have an edge on the offensive glass in this meeting. The Cougars are among the country’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 84th in offensive rebounding percentage at 32.3 percent. Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois ranks 246th in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 70.2 percent.

SIUE at Eastern Illinois Betting Pick

Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – SIUE, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • SIUE ranks 76th in steals per game (7.2) while Eastern Illinois ranks 103rd in steals allowed per game (6.4).
  • The Cougars average 11.7 assists per game, which ranks 202nd in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 209th in assists allowed per game (15.8).
  • The Cougars average 34.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 197th in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 219th in rebounds allowed per game (38.0).
  • SIUE averages 21.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 168th in the NCAA. Eastern Illinois ranks 184th in three pointers allowed per game (24.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Panthers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 3.2 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (1.4 below their season average).