The Cleveland State Vikings (4-8) take on the Niagara Purple Eagles (5-4) at the Wolstein Center. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Cleveland State Vikings Free Prediction
The Purple Eagles come in on a high note after beating the St. Bonaventure Bonnies in their last contest, 80-72. The Purple Eagles had a much better free throw rate (0.306 vs. 0.029) and had a better turnover percentage (14.1 vs. 17.8). With 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting, Marvin Prochet was Niagara’s leading scorer.
In the Vikings’ last matchup, they were blown out by the Davidson Wildcats, 83-63. Davidson out-rebounded Cleveland State. The Wildcats had more offensive rebounds (21 vs. two), defensive rebounds (26 vs. 23) and total rebounds (47 vs. 25). With 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, Rashad Williams was Cleveland State’s leading scorer.
The Purple Eagles won the only contest against the Vikings last season, 79-77. Niagara did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (20-25; 80.0 percent). Cleveland State, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (14.8 vs. 17.2).
It could be a tough game for Cleveland State on the offensive glass. Since last season, the Vikings rank 238th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.7 percent), while Niagara ranks 79th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.1 percent). Furthermore, the Purple Eagles rank 27th in turnover percentage (15.4 percent), while the Vikings rank 302nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (19.4 percent).
Niagara Purple Eagles at Cleveland State Vikings Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Niagara, ATS Winner – Cleveland State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Niagara ranks 62nd in rebounds per game (38.9) while Cleveland State ranks 237th in rebounds allowed per game (38.5).
The Vikings rank 44th in assists per game (13.7) while the Purple Eagles rank 207th (11.8).
Niagara ranks 18th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Cleveland State ranks 126th (5.6).
The Vikings rank 32nd in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while the Purple Eagles rank 118th (23.0).
Cleveland State averages 2.7 blocks per game, which is ranked 107th in the NCAA. Niagara ranks 136th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
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