A five-game home winning streak is on the line for the Eastern Illinois Panthers (8-9, 1-4 OVC) when they welcome the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (4-14, 1-4 OVC) to Lantz Arena. Action begins at 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Eastern Illinois Panthers ATS Odds
Both teams won a close one over their last opponent. The Panthers defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 70-69, while the Golden Eagles beat the SIUE Cougars 72-69.
The Golden Eagles, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.7, had a ridiculous mark of 36.8 and held the Cougars to an effective field goal percentage of 0.474 (below the 0.538 mark opponents have averaged against Tennessee Tech this season). Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois’ effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Jacksonville State. The Panthers had a rate of 0.556 (above their season average of 0.501), while the Gamecocks posted a mark of 0.458 (below their season average of 0.525). Eastern Illinois’ Josiah Wallace led the way, putting up 20 points and five rebounds. Tennessee Tech, meanwhile, was lifted by Darius Allen, who recorded 15 points and nine rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last game, the Golden Eagles won 63-57. Tennessee Tech did a terrific job of making free throws (8-11; 72.7 percent). Eastern Illinois, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 16.7). This will be the first meeting of the year between these two teams.
The Golden Eagles’ Jr. Clay has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 16 points,3.4 assists,1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Wallace has averaged 20 points,5.6 rebounds during that same time frame for the Panthers.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Tennessee Tech. Tennessee Tech ranks 336th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 23.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Eastern Illinois forces the 69th-most turnovers in the nation (22.0 percent).
Tennessee Tech at Eastern Illinois Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Eastern Illinois averages 13.8 assists per game, which ranks 105th in the country. Tennessee Tech ranks 219th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
- The Panthers rank 49th in blocks per game (4.4) while the Golden Eagles rank 120th (3.1).
- The Panthers rank 72nd in steals per game (7.6) while the Golden Eagles rank 172nd in steals allowed per game (7.6).
- Eastern Illinois averages 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 76th in the country. Tennessee Tech ranks 161st in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.2 points per game (8.9 above their season average).
- The Golden Eagles’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 9.3 for the season.
