The SIUE Cougars (8-15, 4-7 OVC) will be at the CFSB Center to meet the Murray State Racers (18-4, 9-2 OVC) in an OVC matchup. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
SIUE Cougars vs. Murray State Racers ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Racers were victorious over the Eastern Illinois Panthers, 86-75, while the Cougars lost big to the Austin Peay Governors, 80-45.
Murray State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.292 (above their season average of 0.250) and a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 15.4). Eastern Illinois was 0.113 and 17.5, respectively, for those same stats. SIUE, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.220 vs. 0.072). Murray State’s Darnell Cowart had a good game, contributing 23 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Brandon Jackson played a key role for SIUE with 12 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Ja Morant led the Racers to an 82-72 win. He recorded a double-double with 40 points and 11 assists. Murray State did a great job of getting and making free throws (27-31; 87.1 percent). SIUE, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 13.0).
Murray State could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the country. The Racers currently rank 14th in offensive efficiency, while SIUE ranks 319th in defensive efficiency.
SIUE vs. Murray State Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Murray State ranks sixth in assists per game (18.2) while SIUE ranks 214th (12.0).
- The Racers rank 25th in steals per game (8.1) while the Cougars rank 166th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
- The Racers average 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 67th in the country. The Cougars rank 247th in rebounds allowed per game (37.7).
- Murray State ranks 26th in blocks per game (4.7) while SIUE ranks 188th (2.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Racers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 14.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 81.8 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
