It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Ball State Cardinals (10-5, 1-1 MAC) welcome the Ohio Bobcats (8-6, 0-2 MAC) to John E. Worthen Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Ohio Bobcats vs. Ball State Cardinals Free Prediction
In the Bobcats’ last game, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Bowling Green Falcons, 82-63. Making free throws was one of Bowling Green’s biggest advantages. They were 9-11 (81.8 percent), while the Bobcats were just 3-4 (75.0 percent). Jason Carter was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
The Cardinals lost a tough one against the Eastern Michigan Eagles in their last outing, 84-82. Eastern Michigan’s 0.310 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Ball State, who had a mark of 0.231. The Eagles’ mark was above their season average of 0.161, while the Cardinals’ was below their season average of 0.307. With 28 points on 11-for-18 shooting, Tahjai Teague was the game’s leading scorer.
After the Cardinals won the lone game against the Bobcats last season, 75-68, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Ball State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.563 vs. 0.443). Ohio, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.6 vs. 17.9).
Teague has averaged 18 points,9.2 rebounds,1.8 steals over the last five games for Ball State.
The high-octane offense of Ball State will face off against the mid-tier defense of Ohio. The Cardinals currently rank 19th in offensive efficiency, while the Bobcats are 139th in defensive efficiency. The Cardinals figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Ohio vs. Ball State Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Ball State, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Ball State ranks 50th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while Ohio ranks 180th (9.4).
The Cardinals average 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 55th in the NCAA. The Bobcats rank 155th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
Ohio ranks 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Ball State ranks 82nd (3.3).
The Bobcats average 39.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 41st in the nation. The Cardinals rank 87th in rebounds allowed per game (33.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Bobcats’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.8, up from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 90.4 points per game (6.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (5.6 below their season average).
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