The Texas Longhorns, 25-point favorites, welcome the Eastern Illinois Panthers to Frank Erwin Special Events Center to get their seasons underway. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 137.5 points and it gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Texas Longhorns Betting Odds
Following a 19-14 regular season campaign, Texas went to the tournament as a 10 seed in the tournament last season. They fell in the First Round to the Nevada Wolf Pack. Meanwhile, Eastern Illinois did not reach the tournament following a 12-19 regular season campaign.
The Panthers were 12-19 straight up (SU) and 14-13 against the spread (ATS) last season. Of Eastern Illinois’ 27 games that accepted bets last season, 14 finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, the Longhorns were 19-14 SU and 16-16 ATS last season. Games featuring Texas had a tendency to finish under the projected point total (68.8 percent).
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Texas figures to have a significant edge. In the 2017-18 season, the Longhorns defense ranked 58th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.483), while the Eastern Illinois offense ranked 283rd in effective field goal percentage (0.489). Furthermore, the Panthers ranked 257th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.218), while the Longhorns ranked 26th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.187).
Eastern Illinois Panthers at Texas Longhorns ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Texas, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Texas averages 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 23rd in the country. Eastern Illinois ranks 113th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
- The Longhorns average 6.1 steals per game, which ranks 145th in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 155th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
- The Panthers rank 218th in assists per game (12.6) while the Longhorns rank 271st (11.6).
- Texas ranks 120th in rebounds per game (36.1) while Eastern Illinois ranks 147th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5).
