The Buffalo Bulls (16-6, 8-1 MAC) will try to extend their seven-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Western Michigan Broncos (13-9, 5-4 MAC) at Alumni Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Buffalo is a 10-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 155 points.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Buffalo Bulls ATS Prediction
The last time the Broncos played, they topped the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 71-57. The Broncos had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 40.5 (above their season average of 30.7) and held the Eagles to an effective field goal percentage of 0.417 (below their season average of 0.525). With 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Brandon Johnson led Western Michigan in scoring.
The Bulls lost a tough one against the Kent State Golden Flashes in their last matchup, 82-79. Kent State’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Golden Flashes had more offensive rebounds (nine vs. two), defensive rebounds (21 vs. 20) and total rebounds (30 vs. 22). With 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting, Jeremy Harris led Buffalo in scoring.
Buffalo figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulls rank 76th in offensive efficiency, while the Broncos rank 191st in defensive efficiency.
Western Michigan comes into the game with records of 13-9 straight up (SU) and 8-10-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Broncos games, with 10 unders compared to 8 overs.
Meanwhile, Buffalo is 16-6 SU and 11-7-1 ATS. Vegas is known to place the total low when the Bulls are involved, as 57.9 percent of their games have ended over the O/U total.
Harris and Nick Perkins have played at a high level over the last five games for Buffalo. Harris has averaged 18.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Not to be outdone, Perkins has recorded 19.2 points and 6.8 rebounds a game during that span.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Wes Clark recorded 17 points, nine assists and five rebounds and the Bulls defeated the Broncos 84-74, covering as 3.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 158 points, which was 6 points above the projected point total of 152 points. Buffalo had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (21.6 vs. 14.6). Western Michigan, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (19-27; 70.4 percent).
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Buffalo Bulls Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Western Michigan, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Western Michigan is 6-5 ATS on the road with 7 unders, 3 overs and 1 push.
At home, Buffalo is 4-2-1 ATS with 4 overs and 3 unders.
Buffalo ranks 20th in three pointers attempted per game (27.5) while Western Michigan ranks 244th in three pointers allowed per game (25.2).
The Bulls rank 35th in assists per game (16.6) while the Broncos rank 189th (12.7).
Western Michigan averages 36.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 117th in the nation. Buffalo ranks 227th in rebounds allowed per game (37.3).
The Broncos rank 10th in steals allowed per game (4.6) while the Bulls rank 71st (5.7).
Western Michigan ranks 139th in blocks per game (3.0) while Buffalo ranks 157th in blocks allowed per game (4.2).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Western Michigan is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Buffalo is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Broncos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 3.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 82.8 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (3.9 below their season average).
