The Murray State Racers (4-1) will travel to the Murphy Athletic Center to challenge the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-6). Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
Murray State Racers vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders ATS Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Blue Raiders defeated the Lees-McRae Bobcats 91-69, while the Racers beat the Wright State Raiders 73-54.
Murray State played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.9 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.640. For those same stats, Wright State was 23.7 and 0.409, respectively. Middle Tennessee, meanwhile, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.339 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.602. Lees-McRae had marks of 0.135 and 0.399, respectively, for those same stats. Middle Tennessee received a boost from Reggie Scurry, who finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Ja Morant was a key piece for Murray State with 26 points, 11 assists and five rebounds.
The Blue Raiders won the sole game between these two teams last season, 72-67. The Blue Raiders’ 34.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Racers, who had a mark of 22.9.
Middle Tennessee might have a tough time finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the country’s best defenses. Murray State ranks 44th in defensive efficiency, while the Blue Raiders rank 148th in offensive efficiency dating back to last season. Moreover, the Racers have been among the nation’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 49th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.6 percent). The Blue Raiders, meanwhile, rank 24th at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.1 percent.
Murray State Racers vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Murray State ranks 148th in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while Middle Tennessee ranks 268th (18.9).
- The Racers rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while the Blue Raiders rank 26th (31.7).
- The Racers rank 47th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Blue Raiders rank 154th (6.3).
- Murray State ranks 10th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while Middle Tennessee ranks 97th (12.4).
