The Toledo Rockets (8-5) and their great offense head to Ball State to play the Cardinals (7-6) and their exceptional defense. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2020.
Toledo Rockets vs. Ball State Cardinals ATS Odds
In their last game, the Cardinals defeated the Portland Pilots, 61-46, while the Rockets fell to the Bradley Braves, 78-66.
Ball State dominated every stat category in the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 40.5 (above their season average of 28.2) and a free throw rate of 0.145 (below their season average of 0.195). Portland was 25.0 and 0.113, respectively, for those same stats. Toledo, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 15.6). Ishmael El-Amin played well for Ball State, finishing with 18 points. Luke Knapke was a key piece for Toledo with 13 points and nine rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Rockets won the most recent game 80-72. Toledo had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.7 vs. 14.8). Ball State, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.333 vs. 0.263). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Ball State could have difficulty getting to the foul line in this showdown. The Cardinals rank 274th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.191, while Toledo ranks 82nd in FTA rate allowed (0.179). Moreover, the Rockets’ 54th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 110.0) will clash against the Cardinals’ 31st-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 88.7).
Toledo at Ball State Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Ball State, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 19th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while Toledo ranks 160th in three pointers allowed per game (23.0).
- The Cardinals rank 31st in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Rockets rank 130th (3.9).
- Ball State averages 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 65th in the nation. Toledo ranks 119th in assists allowed per game (12.5).
- The Rockets rank 19th in rebounds per game (41.3) while the Cardinals rank 119th (36.5).
- Ball State ranks 44th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while Toledo ranks 143rd (7.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.8, up from 10.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (7.0 above their season average).
