MAC foes will battle when the Eastern Michigan Eagles (16-11, 7-7 MAC) meet the Toledo Rockets (19-8, 11-3 MAC) at Convocation Center. Neither team is favored and the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 141 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
Toledo Rockets at Eastern Michigan Eagles Odds Preview
The last time the Rockets played, they were blown out by the Ball State Cardinals, 99-71. Toledo’s Tre’Shaun Fletcher had a solid game, recording 15 points and eight rebounds. Ball State’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Toledo. The Cardinals had a rate of 7.2 (better than their season average of 16.9), while the Rockets posted a mark of 16.9.
The Eagles will look to maintain momentum after defeating the Central Michigan Chippewas in their last matchup, 72-67. Eastern Michigan was lifted by James Thompson IV, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 10-for-13 shooting. The Eagles had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 30.1) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.466).
Getting to the line might be few and far between for Eastern Michigan in this meeting. The Eagles rank 254th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.217, while Toledo ranks 39th in FTA rate allowed (0.191). Moreover, the Rockets rank 36th in effective field goal percentage (0.551), while the Eagles rank 48th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.476).
Of Toledo’s 24 games that accepted bets, 13 have finished over the O/U total, while 13 of Eastern Michigan’s 21 games have finished under the projected point total. The Rockets have the better straight up (SU) record (19-8 vs. 16-11) and a narrow edge against the spread (ATS) (12-12 vs. 11-10).
Elijah Minnie has been playing at a high level over the last five games for Eastern Michigan, averaging 17.2 points, 2.0 blocks and 1.8 steals per game.
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Rockets won both meetings played against each other last season. In the most recent game, Toledo won 60-56. Toledo’s 0.491 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Eastern Michigan, who had a mark of 0.410.
Toledo Rockets vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Prediction
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Toledo, ATS Winner – Toledo, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Rockets rank 81st in rebounds per game (37.2) while the Eagles rank 171st in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
- Eastern Michigan averages 6.4 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the NCAA. Toledo ranks 90th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
- Eastern Michigan is 5-4 ATS at home, while Toledo is 8-5 ATS on the road.
- Of the Rockets 13 road games, they have 7 unders and 6 overs.
- The Eagles have 7 unders and 2 overs in 9 home games.
- Eastern Michigan ranks eighth in steals per game (8.8) while Toledo ranks 244th (3.7).
- The Rockets rank 29th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Eagles rank 210th (14.9).
- Toledo ranks 76th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while Eastern Michigan ranks 228th (19.5).
Betting Trends:
- Eastern Michigan is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Toledo is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Eagles average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 3.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
