SIUE Cougars vs. Belmont Bruins Free Prediction 02/23/19

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The Belmont Bruins (22-4, 13-2 OVC) close out their home schedule at Curb Event Center against the SIUE Cougars (9-18, 5-10 OVC). Action gets underway at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

SIUE Cougars at Belmont Bruins Betting Odds

Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Bruins dismantled the Eastern Illinois Panthers 99-58, while the Cougars barely escaped the Tennessee State Tigers 85-84.

The Cougars had 8 steals and had a free throw rate of 0.491 (above their season average of 0.248). The Bruins, on the other hand, made 13 of their 14 free throws (92.9 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.754 (above their season average of 0.571). Belmont was lifted by Dylan Windler, who put up 22 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Daniel Kinchen had a good game for SIUE, recording 22 points.

The Bruins dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last contest, Belmont won 83-72. One of Belmont’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 32 free throw attempts, while SIUE had just 16. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

The high-octane offense of Belmont (ninth in the country with an offensive efficiency of 116.3) will face off against the porous defense of SIUE (322nd in the country with a defensive efficiency of 110.5). The Bruins figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.

SIUE Cougars at Belmont Bruins Odds Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – SIUE, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Belmont ranks 27th in rebounds per game (39.3) while SIUE ranks 252nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.4).
  • The Bruins rank 73rd in steals per game (7.0) while the Cougars rank 178th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
  • Belmont ranks 64th in blocks per game (4.0) while SIUE ranks 73rd in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
  • The Bruins rank first in assists per game (19.7) while the Cougars rank 216th in assists allowed per game (14.8).
  • Belmont ranks 24th in three pointers attempted per game (27.4) while SIUE ranks 173rd (21.8).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.6, up from 12.7 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 63.8 points per game (9.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.4 points per game (0.6 below their season average).