The UT Martin Skyhawks (4-7) will be at the CFSB Center to take on the Murray State Racers (7-5) in an OVC matchup. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
UT Martin Skyhawks vs. Murray State Racers Betting Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Racers defeated the Cumberland University Phoenix 81-46, while the Skyhawks beat the Mount St. Joseph Lions 92-72.
UT Martin played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.138 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 54.8 (above their season average of 32.7). Mount St. Joseph had marks of 0.030 and 31.6, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Murray State dominated every facet of their game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 46.9 (above their season average of 30.2) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.578 (above their season average of 0.511). Cumberland University had marks of 13.2 and 0.389, respectively, for those same stats. Tevin Brown played well for Murray State with 24 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Quintin Dove had a good game for UT Martin, recording 22 points and 11 rebounds.
The Racers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last game, Murray State won 85-75. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Murray State’s largest advantages. They had 26 free throw attempts, while UT Martin had just 14. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The prolific offense of Murray State (17th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 106.5) will battle against the porous defense of UT Martin (352nd in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 121.0). The Racers should have the edge on that side of the ball.
UT Martin Skyhawks vs. Murray State Racers Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Murray State ranks 15th in assists per game (14.9) while UT Martin ranks 239th in assists allowed per game (17.6).
- The Racers rank 47th in blocks per game (3.8) while the Skyhawks rank 126th (2.9).
- Murray State ranks 96th in steals per game (5.8) while UT Martin ranks 107th in steals allowed per game (5.7).
- The Racers rank 113th in three pointers allowed per game (21.2) while the Skyhawks rank 233rd (26.3).
- Murray State ranks 70th in rebounds per game (39.3) while UT Martin ranks 172nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Skyhawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 5.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 57.0 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
