The North Carolina Central Eagles (4-8) head to Chaifetz Arena to square off against the Saint Louis Billikens (7-3). The Eagles can snap a seven-game road losing streak. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
North Carolina Central Eagles at Saint Louis Billikens Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Billikens defeated the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 75-65, while the Eagles got blown out by the 22nd-ranked Clemson Tigers, 71-51.
Saint Louis played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.352 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.6. Southeast Missouri State was 0.138 and 17.6, respectively, for those same stats. North Carolina Central, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.0 vs. 17.2). Saint Louis received a boost from Javon Bess, who recorded 18 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Zacarry Douglas played a pivotal role for North Carolina Central with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Eagles’ Randy Miller, Jr. has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Bess has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Billikens.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the Saint Louis offense. Saint Louis ranks 297th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.2 percent), while the gambling defense of North Carolina Central forces the 52nd-most turnovers in the country (22.2 percent). Additionally, the Eagles, who rank 52nd in offensive rebounding percentage (33.9 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Billikens, who rank 41st in defensive rebounding percentage (75.7 percent).
North Carolina Central Eagles at Saint Louis Billikens Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Louis, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Saint Louis ranks 36th in rebounds per game (40.0) while North Carolina Central ranks 189th (34.1).
- The Eagles rank 30th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Billikens rank 113th (6.5).
- North Carolina Central ranks 206th in three pointers attempted per game (20.1) while Saint Louis ranks 246th (17.8).
- The Billikens rank 29th in assists allowed per game (10.4) while the Eagles rank 171st (14.6).
- Saint Louis ranks 26th in blocks per game (4.9) while North Carolina Central ranks 155th (2.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
- The Eagles have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. For the season, North Carolina Central has defeated opponents by an average of 1.9 points.
