The Eastern Illinois Panthers (12-9, 5-3 OVC) welcome the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (10-11, 3-5 OVC) to Lantz Arena. The Colonels look to end a six-game road losing streak. The game is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Panthers fell to the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 64-59, while the Colonels were defeated by the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, 91-85.
Eastern Kentucky did a great job of getting and making free throws (25-27; 92.6 percent) while Eastern Illinois held Southeast Missouri State to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below the 30.8 mark opponents have averaged against Eastern Illinois this season). JaQualis Matlock played a key role for Eastern Illinois with 10 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Nick Mayo had a solid performance for Eastern Kentucky, finishing with 29 points and nine rebounds.
The Panthers won the lone game between these two teams last season, 54-53. The Panthers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Colonels. Eastern Illinois had a rate of 24.3, while Eastern Kentucky posted a mark of 20.5. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It could be a sloppy game for the Eastern Illinois offense. Eastern Illinois ranks 153rd in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.6 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Eastern Kentucky forces the 20th-most turnovers in the nation (23.6 percent).
Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Eastern Illinois, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Eastern Kentucky averages 16.0 assists per game, which ranks 32nd in the country. Eastern Illinois ranks 231st in assists allowed per game (15.3).
- The Colonels average 11.1 steals per game, which ranks first in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 131st in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- Eastern Kentucky ranks 105th in blocks per game (3.3) while Eastern Illinois ranks 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Colonels average 28.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 18th in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 193rd in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
- Eastern Kentucky averages 38.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 64th in the country. Eastern Illinois ranks 234th in rebounds allowed per game (37.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Colonels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 1.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
