The Eastern Kentucky Colonels (10-11, 3-5 OVC) will try to put an end to their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Eastern Illinois Panthers (12-9, 5-3 OVC) at Lantz Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Eastern Illinois Panthers Free Prediction
In the Colonels’ last game, they were topped by the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, 91-85. Tennessee Tech’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Eastern Kentucky. The Golden Eagles had a rate of 23.5 (below their season average of 28.0), while the Colonels posted a mark of 17.6 (below their season average of 29.4). Nick Mayo was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 8-for-19 shooting.
The Panthers were beaten by the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks in their last outing, 64-59. Southeast Missouri State’s 0.360 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Eastern Illinois, who had a rate of 0.034. The Redhawks’ mark was above their season average of 0.185, while the Panthers’ was below their season average of 0.213. Eastern Illinois’ JaQualis Matlock recorded 10 points and nine rebounds in the game.
After the Panthers won the lone contest against the Colonels last season, 54-53, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Eastern Illinois had a better offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 vs. 20.5). Eastern Kentucky, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (15.9 vs. 18.9).
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of Eastern Illinois. Eastern Illinois ranks 153rd in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.6 percent), while the gambling defense of Eastern Kentucky forces the 20th-most turnovers in the nation (23.6 percent).
Eastern Kentucky at Eastern Illinois Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Eastern Kentucky averages 16.0 assists per game, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA. Eastern Illinois ranks 231st in assists allowed per game (15.3).
The Colonels rank 18th in three pointers attempted per game (28.2) while the Panthers rank 193rd in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
Eastern Kentucky averages 38.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 64th in the country. Eastern Illinois ranks 234th in rebounds allowed per game (37.4).
The Colonels rank first in steals per game (11.1) while the Panthers rank 131st in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Eastern Kentucky averages 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 105th in the country. Eastern Illinois ranks 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Colonels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 1.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
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