in

Belmont Bruins at Morehead State Eagles Free Preview 02/09/19

Nov 10, 2018; Syracuse, NY, USA; Morehead State Eagles guard Jordan Walker (2) shoots the ball against the defense of Syracuse Orange forward Oshae Brissett (11) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Belmont Bruins (18-4, 9-2 OVC) will try to lengthen their six-game winning streak against the Morehead State Eagles (9-15, 5-6 OVC) at Ellis T Johnson Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4:35 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

Belmont Bruins at Morehead State Eagles Betting Prediction

In the Bruins’ last matchup, they blew out the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, 83-65. The Bruins, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.1, had an extraordinary mark of 33.3 and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.563 vs. 0.449). Belmont was led by Kevin McClain, who was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 11-for-17 shooting.

The Eagles lost a tough one against the Tennessee State Tigers in their last contest, 81-80. Tennessee State’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Morehead State. The Tigers had a rate of 0.540 (above their season average of 0.498), while the Eagles posted a mark of 0.455 (below the 0.538 mark opponents have averaged against Tennessee State this season). With 29 points on 8-for-20 shooting, A.J. Hicks was the game’s high scorer.

This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Nick Muszynski had 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the first game, in which the Bruins defeated the Eagles 77-60. Belmont had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.9 vs. 16.2). Morehead State, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (20.0 vs. 24.4).

Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. McClain (22 points,3.4 assists) has been great for the Bruins while Jordan Walker (20 points,3.6 assists) has contributed greatly to the Eagles.

There’s a decent chance that Belmont struggles to create turnovers. Morehead State ranks 95th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.7 percent), while Belmont forces the 48th-fewest turnovers (16.8 percent). Additionally, the Bruins rank 33rd in offensive efficiency (113.5), while the Eagles rank 300th in defensive efficiency (108.4).

Belmont vs. Morehead State Free Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – Morehead State, O/U – Over

Click Here to Start Betting Today!

Notes

Betting Notes:

Belmont averages 39.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 23rd in the NCAA. Morehead State ranks 236th in rebounds allowed per game (37.3).

The Bruins rank fourth in assists per game (19.8) while the Eagles rank 179th in assists allowed per game (13.9).

Belmont ranks 31st in three pointers attempted per game (27.0) while Morehead State ranks 164th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).

The Bruins average 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 54th in the NCAA. The Eagles rank 173rd in blocks allowed per game (4.8).

Belmont averages 7.0 steals per game, which ranks 72nd in the nation. Morehead State ranks 100th in steals allowed per game (6.1).

Bettings Trends:

The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 11.0 for the season.

During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.0 points per game (1.6 below their season average).

*****

Written by GMS Previews

Portland State vs Eastern Washington Eagles

Eastern Washington Eagles at Montana Grizzlies ATS Preview 02/09/19

Duquesne Dukes vs. Fordham Rams Betting Preview 02/09/19