It will be a showdown between two great offenses when the Ball State Cardinals (7-4) take on the Howard Bison (6-5) at John E. Worthen Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 20, 2018.
Howard Bison vs. Ball State Cardinals Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Cardinals beat the Indiana State Sycamores 86-69, while the Bison won big over the Washington Adventist Shock 115-91.
Howard played a nearly flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.564 and a turnover percentage of 10.1. For those same stats, Washington Adventist put up marks of 0.419 and 13.6, respectively. Ball State, on the other hand, dominated every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.231 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.546. Indiana State recorded marks of 0.164 and 0.433, respectively, for those same stats. Ball State rallied around Tahjai Teague, who finished with 21 points and seven rebounds. Chad Lott was a key piece for Howard with 27 points and eight rebounds.
RJ Cole has taken his game to another level as of late for Howard, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
The aggressive Ball State offense looks poised to dominate from the foul line. The Cardinals currently rank 44th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.292, while Howard ranks 266th in FTA rate allowed (0.259). Furthermore, the Bison rank 32nd in turnover percentage (16.2 percent), while the Cardinals rank 272nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.6 percent).
Howard Bison vs. Ball State Cardinals Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Ball State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 69th in rebounds allowed per game (33.1) while Howard ranks 248th (41.2).
- The Bison rank 23rd in blocks per game (5.1) while the Cardinals rank 56th (4.1).
- Howard ranks 204th in three pointers attempted per game (20.1) while Ball State ranks 225th (19.3).
- The Cardinals average 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 96th in the nation. The Bison rank 184th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
- Howard ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Ball State ranks 63rd (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 91.8 points per game (7.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (7.0 below their season average).
- The Cardinals have been outscored by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Ball State has defeated opponents by an average of 5.9 points.