An eight-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Omaha Mavericks (10-10, 3-2 Summit) when they go head-to-head with the Western Illinois Leathernecks (5-11, 2-4 Summit) at Baxter Arena. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at Omaha Mavericks ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Mavericks fell to the Denver Pioneers, 91-76, while the Leathernecks were defeated by the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, 87-70.
Western Illinois had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1 (above their season average of 21.9) while Omaha had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.6 (above their season average of 27.1). Matt Pile played well for Omaha, putting up 20 points and nine rebounds. Western Illinois, meanwhile, was led by Zion Young, who put up 18 points.
The Mavericks dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last contest, Omaha won 77-63. The Mavericks’ 8.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Leathernecks, who had a mark of 11.3. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It could be a tough game for Omaha on the offensive glass. The Mavericks currently rank 207th in offensive rebounding percentage (27.8 percent), while Western Illinois ranks 95th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.0 percent). Ball security should be an advantage for the Leathernecks. They rank 4th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.9 percent), while the Mavericks force the 13th-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.2 percent).
Western Illinois vs. Omaha ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Omaha, ATS Winner – Omaha, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Omaha ranks 125th in rebounds per game (36.5) while Western Illinois ranks 258th in rebounds allowed per game (39.1).
- The Leathernecks rank 212th in assists per game (11.1) while the Mavericks rank 216th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
- The Leathernecks rank 139th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while the Mavericks rank 256th (17.8).
- Western Illinois ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Omaha ranks 63rd (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Leathernecks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 4.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Mavericks have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (3.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.8 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
