The Belmont Bruins (17-4, 8-2 OVC) and the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (10-13, 3-7 OVC), who both like to play fast, will go head-to-head at McBrayer Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019.
Belmont Bruins vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels Betting Prediction
In the Bruins’ last matchup, they topped the UT Martin Skyhawks, 82-67. Belmont’s 0.133 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over UT Martin, who had a mark of 0.027. The Bruins’ mark matched their season average, while the Skyhawks’ was below their season average of 0.195. Dylan Windler played a pivotal role for Belmont with 23 points and 13 rebounds.
The Colonels were beaten by the SIUE Cougars in their last game, 88-82. One of SIUE’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 44 trips to the line, while Eastern Kentucky went just 28 times. Nick Mayo had a good game for Eastern Kentucky, leading both teams in scoring with 33 points on 12-for-31 shooting.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Windler put up 23 points and 10 rebounds and the Bruins beat the Colonels 109-93. The Bruins made 32 of their 40 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.6 vs. 13.0).
There could be plenty of transition action in this meeting that features two of the NCAA’s more fast-paced teams. Eastern Kentucky currently ranks first in possessions per game (82.6) and Belmont is 11th (76.2). Furthermore, the Bruins rank 10th in effective field goal percentage (0.567), whereas the suspect defense of the Colonels ranks 284th with an effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.526.
Belmont at Eastern Kentucky Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – Belmont, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Belmont ranks 23rd in rebounds per game (39.6) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 274th in rebounds allowed per game (41.4).
The Bruins rank third in assists per game (19.6) while the Colonels rank 213th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
Eastern Kentucky ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while Belmont ranks 184th in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
The Colonels average 11.0 steals per game, which ranks first in the nation. The Bruins rank 112th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Belmont ranks 47th in blocks per game (4.2) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 122nd in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 10.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Colonels have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.8 points per game (3.7 below their season average).
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