In their final home game of the season, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (8-16, 5-6 CUSA) host the Old Dominion Monarchs (19-6, 9-3 CUSA) at Murphy Athletic Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Old Dominion Monarchs at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Free Prediction
In the Monarchs’ last matchup, they defeated the UAB Blazers, 70-59. The Monarchs held the Blazers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.424 (below their season average of 0.516) and had a turnover percentage of 7.2 (better than their season average of 15.0). With 21 points on 8-for-18 shooting, B.J. Stith was the top scorer from either team.
The Blue Raiders easily got past the Charlotte 49ers in their last outing, 71-53. The Blue Raiders, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.474, had an extraordinary mark of 0.600 and held the 49ers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.9 (below the 27.7 mark opponents have averaged against Middle Tennessee this season). Antonio Green was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-18 shooting from the field.
After the Blue Raiders won the lone game against the Monarchs last season, 66-59, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Blue Raiders had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.3 vs. 30.8) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.541 vs. 0.412).
The inefficient offense of Middle Tennessee will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Old Dominion. The Blue Raiders currently rank 332nd in offensive efficiency, while the Monarchs are 22nd in defensive efficiency. The Monarchs figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
Old Dominion at Middle Tennessee Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Old Dominion, ATS Winner – Old Dominion, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Old Dominion ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (4.2) while Middle Tennessee ranks 205th (8.0).
The Monarchs average 39.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 24th in the NCAA. The Blue Raiders rank 176th in rebounds allowed per game (35.5).
Old Dominion ranks 34th in blocks per game (4.5) while Middle Tennessee ranks 144th (2.8).
The Monarchs rank 151st in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while the Blue Raiders rank 247th (19.2).
Old Dominion ranks 163rd in assists per game (13.2) while Middle Tennessee ranks 243rd (11.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Monarchs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 6.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Raiders have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
*****
