The Murray State Racers (24-4, 15-2 OVC) welcome the Austin Peay Governors (21-9, 13-4 OVC) to CFSB Center as the regular season wraps up. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Austin Peay Governors vs. Murray State Racers Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Racers had no trouble getting past the Morehead State Eagles, 71-52, while the Governors lost a close one to the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, 82-80.
Murray State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Morehead State. The Racers had a rate of 0.485 (below their season average of 0.564), while the Eagles posted a mark of 0.284 (below their season average of 0.496). Austin Peay, meanwhile, forced Eastern Kentucky into a turnover percentage of 20.3 (above their season average of 15.6). Ja Morant led the way for Murray State with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to register his first triple-double of the season. Meanwhile, Austin Peay rallied around Terry Taylor, who recorded 37 points and 15 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Morant led the Racers to a 73-71 victory. He was the game’s leading scorer with 32 points. Murray State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Austin Peay. The Racers had a rate of 0.190, while the Governors posted a mark of 0.159.
The Governors’ Taylor has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 26 points,10.8 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Darnell Cowart has averaged 14 points,9.4 rebounds during that same time frame for the Racers.
It might turn into a shootout as two of the NCAA’s premier offenses face off. Murray State ranks eighth with 117.3 points per 100 possessions and Austin Peay is 20th (114.6).
Austin Peay Governors vs. Murray State Racers Odds Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Murray State ranks fifth in assists per game (18.3) while Austin Peay ranks 147th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- The Racers rank 26th in steals per game (7.9) while the Governors rank 78th in steals allowed per game (5.8).
- The Racers rank 26th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Governors rank 111th (3.3).
- Murray State averages 38.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 48th in the nation. Austin Peay ranks 130th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Governors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 10.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 86.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
