The Valparaiso Crusaders (12-10, 5-4 MVC) will be at the Ford Center to clash with the Evansville Aces (9-13, 3-6 MVC) in a MVC matchup. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. Evansville Aces ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last game. The Aces lost to the Bradley Braves, 81-73, while the Crusaders lost a close one to the Missouri State Bears, 55-54.
Valparaiso held Missouri State to an effective field goal percentage of 0.373 (below their season average of 0.529) while Evansville had a better turnover percentage (13.4 vs. 16.5). Evansville’s K.J. Riley had a good outing, contributing 14 points. Javon Freeman-Liberty, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Valparaiso with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
The Aces dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent game, Evansville won 63-59. Evansville’s 0.340 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Valparaiso, who had a rate of 0.096. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
It will be a matchup of conflicting paces as the up-and-down Aces will look to push the more grind-it-out Crusaders. The Aces rank 58th in possessions per game while the Crusaders are 320th.
Valparaiso at Evansville Betting Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Evansville, ATS Winner – Evansville, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 86th in rebounds allowed per game (33.4) while Evansville ranks 271st (39.9).
- The Aces rank 87th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while the Crusaders rank 252nd (19.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Aces’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 0.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 59.0 points per game (10.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
