The Denver Pioneers (7-21, 2-12 Summit) and the Western Illinois Leathernecks (9-18, 4-10 Summit) battle at Magness Arena. The Pioneers will attempt to snap their seven-game losing streak. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at Denver Pioneers Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Pioneers were blown out by the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, 81-63, while the Leathernecks beat the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, 75-66.
The Leathernecks had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 14.5) and held the Golden Eagles to an effective field goal percentage of 0.444 (below their season average of 0.528). Denver, on the other hand, did a great job of converting from the free throw line (11-13; 84.6 percent). Denver was led by David Nzekwesi, who put up 19 points and five rebounds. Kobe Webster was a key piece for Western Illinois with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this year, Webster led the Leathernecks to a 78-60 victory. He scored a game-high 22 points. The Leathernecks’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Pioneers. Western Illinois had a rate of 11.8, while Denver posted a mark of 16.7.
Getting to the line might be hard to find for Denver in this battle. The Pioneers currently rank 286th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.200, while Western Illinois ranks 18th in FTA rate allowed (0.176). Ball security should be an advantage for the Leathernecks. They rank 23rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.1 percent). Conversely, the Pioneers force the 26th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.9 percent).
Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. Denver Pioneers Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Western Illinois, ATS Winner – Western Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Denver ranks 54th in rebounds allowed per game (32.5) while Western Illinois ranks 240th (37.2).
- The Leathernecks rank 194th in steals per game (5.5) while the Pioneers rank 234th (4.6).
- Denver ranks 228th in assists per game (11.6) while Western Illinois ranks 263rd (10.6).
- The Leathernecks rank 38th in blocks per game (4.4) while the Pioneers rank 189th (2.5).
- Western Illinois ranks 174th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9) while Denver ranks 260th (26.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Leathernecks have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.0 points per game (6.0 above their season average).
- The Pioneers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 16.2, up from 9.0 for the season.
