The Bradley Braves (7-3) challenge the Eastern Illinois Panthers (5-5) at Carver Arena. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Bradley Braves ATS Prediction
In the Panthers’ last contest, they were beaten by the Texas Longhorns, 71-59. Texas’ 0.577 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Eastern Illinois, who had a rate of 0.411. Rade Kukobat was Eastern Illinois’ leading scorer with 12 points on 3-for-11 shooting.
The Braves beat the Wisconsin-Parkside Rangers in their last contest, 74-58. The Braves had a much better free throw rate (0.175 vs. 0.074) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (47.1 vs. 20.6). With 17 points and eight rebounds, Bradley’s Elijah Childs played well.
After the Braves won the lone game against the Panthers last season, 67-56, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Braves had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.587 vs. 0.362) and had a better free throw rate (0.283 vs. 0.241).
Childs has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Bradley.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Bradley figures to have a substantial advantage. The Braves defense ranks 90th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.478), while the Eastern Illinois offense is ranked 262nd in effective field goal percentage (0.493).
Eastern Illinois at Bradley ATS Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Bradley, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Bradley averages 13.7 assists per game, which ranks 128th in the NCAA. Eastern Illinois ranks 221st in assists allowed per game (15.1).
The Panthers rank 158th in rebounds per game (35.7) while the Braves rank 244th (32.9).
Bradley ranks 67th in steals per game (7.2) while Eastern Illinois ranks 145th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
The Panthers rank 97th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while the Braves rank 134th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Panthers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.2, up from 2.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Braves have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (matching their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (4.5 below their season average).
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