The Western Illinois Leathernecks (4-0) are off to a hot start and will try to stay unbeaten when they square off against the Iowa State Cyclones (3-2) at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State opened as an 18.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 142.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 25, 2017.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at Iowa State Cyclones Odds Preview
In the Leathernecks last matchup, they edged the SIUE Cougars, 69-67. Dalan Ancrum was the games high scorer with 34 points on 11-for-14 shooting. The Leathernecks had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.348 (above their season average of 0.182) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.576 vs. 0.453).
The Cyclones hope to maintain momentum after defeating the Boise State Broncos in their last game, 75-64. Iowa States Nick Weiler-Babb played a key role with 10 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Iowa State played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.159 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6 (above their season average of 28.0). For those same stats, Boise State was 0.048 and 20.5, respectively.
Iowa State should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Since the 2016-17 season, Iowa State ranks fifth in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.7 percent), while Western Illinois has forced the 15th-fewest turnovers (15.8 percent). Furthermore, the Leathernecks, who rank 314th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.207), will battle against the Cyclones, who rank 22nd in opponents FTA rate (0.189).
The Leathernecks have had records of 12-20 straight up (SU) and 11-15 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Western Illinois games have had a tendency to finish over the projected point total since last season (57.7 percent).
Meanwhile, the Cyclones, have records of 26-12 SU and 20-17 ATS since last season. Games including Iowa State have gone over the projected point total 56.8 percent of the time over that same period.
Western Illinois Leathernecks at Iowa State Cyclones Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Iowa State, ATS Winner – Western Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Cyclones rank 63rd in assists per game (15.3) while the Leathernecks rank 162nd in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- Western Illinois ranks 191st in rebounds per game (35.3) while Iowa State ranks 273rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.8).
- Iowa State ranks 40th in steals per game (7.4) while Western Illinois ranks 253rd (5.1).
- The Leathernecks rank 76th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while the Cyclones rank 241st (22.8).
- Western Illinois ranks 14th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Iowa State ranks 144th (3.4).
