The Ball State Cardinals (10-7, 1-3 MAC) travel to Central Michigan to play the Chippewas (14-3, 3-1 MAC) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Ball State Cardinals at Central Michigan Chippewas Free Prediction
The last time the Cardinals played, they were beaten by the Bowling Green Falcons, 79-78. Bowling Green’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Falcons had 15 offensive rebounds and 42 total rebounds, while the Cardinals had six and 35, respectively. Tayler Persons was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 10-for-19 shooting.
The Chippewas defeated the Northern Illinois Huskies in their last contest, 78-69. The Chippewas had a much better free throw rate (0.241 vs. 0.078) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.602 (above their season average of 0.541). With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Central Michigan’s Kevin McKay played well.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Chippewas won the most recent matchup 75-51. The Chippewas had a much better turnover percentage (8.2 vs. 21.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.213 vs. 0.154).
This showdown figures to be a shootout as a pair of the country’s premier offenses go head-to-head. Central Michigan ranks 23rd with 115.2 points per 100 possessions and Ball State is 46th (113.1). Additionally, the Cardinals are among the nation’s best at getting to the line, ranking 15th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.306). The Chippewas, however, rank 55th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.188.
Ball State vs. Central Michigan ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Central Michigan, ATS Winner – Central Michigan, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Ball State averages 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 66th in the nation. Central Michigan ranks 215th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
The Chippewas rank 97th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while the Cardinals rank 228th (19.4).
Central Michigan ranks 20th in steals per game (8.6) while Ball State ranks 120th (6.3).
The Cardinals average 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 65th in the nation. The Chippewas rank 130th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Central Michigan ranks 46th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while Ball State ranks 83rd (12.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.6, up from 8.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Chippewas have scored an average of 92.0 points per game (4.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 81.0 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
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