The Ole Miss Rebels (8-2) will clash against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-8) at Bridgestone Arena. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Odds
Both teams easily got past their last opponent. The Blue Raiders defeated the Lees-McRae Bobcats 91-69, while the Rebels beat the Western Michigan Broncos 90-64.
Ole Miss played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 14.8 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.623. For those same stats, Western Michigan was 29.2 and 0.480, respectively. The Blue Raiders, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.339 vs. 0.135) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.602 vs. 0.399). Middle Tennessee was led by Reggie Scurry, who had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Terence Davis, meanwhile fueled Ole Miss with 17 points.
The Blue Raiders won the only contest between these two teams last season, 77-58. The Blue Raiders’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Rebels. Middle Tennessee had a rate of 8.3, while Ole Miss posted a mark of 16.3. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Breein Tyree has taken his game to another level recently for Ole Miss, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Opposite styles will be on display in this showdown. Middle Tennessee has preferred a fast-paced style of play (70th in possessions per game), while Ole Miss has been slower-paced (260th in possessions per game). Also, the Rebels’ 28th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 115.6) will try to take advantage of the Blue Raiders’ 259th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 105.0).
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Ole Miss, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Ole Miss ranks 35th in assists per game (16.3) while Middle Tennessee ranks 221st (9.9).
- The Rebels rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Blue Raiders rank 122nd (3.9).
- Ole Miss ranks 205th in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while Middle Tennessee ranks 259th (15.9).
- The Rebels rank second in rebounds allowed per game (28.1) while the Blue Raiders rank 158th (35.9).
- Ole Miss ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Middle Tennessee ranks 171st (9.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Rebels have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
- The Blue Raiders have outscored opponents by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Middle Tennessee has been defeated by an average of 10.0 points.
