A six-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Missouri State Bears (6-8, 0-1 MVC) when they challenge the Valparaiso Crusaders (8-6, 1-0 MVC) at JQH Arena. Action gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Valparaiso Crusaders at Missouri State Bears Betting Odds
Both teams thoroughly outplayed their last opponent. The Bears defeated the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles 84-50, while the Crusaders beat the Concordia University (IL) Cougars 121-65.
Valparaiso played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.424 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.705. For those same stats, Concordia University (IL) put up marks of 0.151 and 0.370, respectively. Meanwhile, Missouri State’s 0.603 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Oral Roberts, who had a rate of 0.336. Missouri State’s Jarred Dixon had a solid performance, finishing with 26 points. Javon Freeman-Liberty played a key role for Valparaiso with 22 points.
The Bears dominated this series last year, securing victories in all three games. In the last contest, Missouri State won 83-79. Missouri State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 15.6). Valparaiso, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (8.3 vs. 9.5). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Keandre Cook and Dixon have been playing well over the last five games for Missouri State. Cook has averaged 0 points, while Dixon has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
Valparaiso vs. Missouri State Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Missouri State, ATS Winner – Missouri State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 38th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Missouri State ranks 216th (25.7).
- The Bears rank 84th in steals per game (7.0) while the Crusaders rank 126th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- The Crusaders average 15.5 assists per game, which ranks 51st in the NCAA. The Bears rank 194th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
- Valparaiso ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Missouri State ranks 106th (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Crusaders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 4.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
