The Ball State Cardinals (6-4) will travel to the Athletics-Recreation Center to take on the Valparaiso Crusaders (6-4). Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, December 17, 2018.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Valparaiso Crusaders ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Crusaders had no trouble getting past the Concordia University (IL) Cougars 121-65, while the Cardinals beat the Indiana State Sycamores 86-69.
Ball State dominated every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.231 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.546. For those same stats, Indiana State was 0.164 and 0.433, respectively. Valparaiso, on the other hand, dominated every stat category in their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.424 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.705. Concordia University (IL) was 0.151 and 0.370, respectively, for those same stats. Javon Freeman-Liberty was a key piece for Valparaiso with 22 points. Meanwhile, Tahjai Teague had a good game for Ball State, finishing with 21 points and seven rebounds.
The Cardinals won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 71-70. The Cardinals’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Crusaders. Ball State had a rate of 13.9, while Valparaiso posted a mark of 22.8. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The high-powered offense of Valparaiso (92nd in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 110.7) will face off against the mid-tier defense of Ball State (224th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 103.6). The Crusaders figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Also, the Cardinals are among the nation’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 35th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.295). The Crusaders, however, rank 49th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.189).
Ball State Cardinals vs. Valparaiso Crusaders Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso averages 16.2 assists per game, which ranks 36th in the nation. Ball State ranks 149th in assists allowed per game (13.5).
- The Cardinals rank 98th in rebounds per game (37.3) while the Crusaders rank 135th in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
- Ball State ranks 136th in steals per game (6.0) while Valparaiso ranks 142nd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- The Cardinals rank 35th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Crusaders rank 136th (3.0).
- Valparaiso ranks 31st in three pointers allowed per game (19.0) while Ball State ranks 131st (22.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Crusaders\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 6.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.2 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
