It will be a clash between two phenomenal offenses when the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (11-15, 4-9 OVC) meet the Murray State Racers (20-4, 11-2 OVC) at McBrayer Arena. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Murray State Racers at Eastern Kentucky Colonels ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Colonels fell to the Morehead State Eagles, 78-72, while the Racers barely escaped the Austin Peay Governors, 73-71.
The Racers knocked down 11 of their 14 free throws (78.6 percent) and held the Governors to an effective field goal percentage of 0.484 (below their season average of 0.549). Eastern Kentucky, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 7.6 (better than their season average of 15.9). Eastern Kentucky rallied around Nick Mayo, who finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Ja Morant, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Murray State with 32 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Morant led the Racers to a 97-85 win. He notched a double-double with 34 points and 10 assists. Murray State won the rebounding battle. The Racers had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. 11), defensive rebounds (26 vs. 22) and total rebounds (42 vs. 33).
The inefficient offense of Eastern Kentucky will go head-to-head against the top-notch defense of Murray State. The Colonels currently rank 255th in offensive efficiency, while the Racers are 39th in defensive efficiency. The Racers figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Murray State Racers vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Murray State averages 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 60th in the nation. Eastern Kentucky ranks 284th in rebounds allowed per game (41.5).
- The Racers rank 25th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Colonels rank 153rd in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
- Eastern Kentucky ranks 29th in three pointers attempted per game (27.0) while Murray State ranks 135th (22.9).
- The Racers rank sixth in assists per game (17.9) while the Colonels rank 226th in assists allowed per game (15.2).
- Murray State averages 8.0 steals per game, which ranks 28th in the NCAA. Eastern Kentucky ranks 157th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Colonels have been outscored by an average of 4.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Eastern Kentucky has defeated opponents by an average of 0.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (6.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (3.1 above their season average).
