The Ball State Cardinals (6-4), 6.5-point underdogs, challenge the 22nd-ranked Washington Huskies (8-2) in the Diamond Head Classic at Stan Sheriff Center. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 134.5 points and it can be seen on ESPN2 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Washington Huskies Betting Odds
Both teams thoroughly outplayed their last opponent. The Huskies defeated the Seattle Redhawks 81-59, while the Cardinals beat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 65-47.
The Cardinals held the Yellow Jackets to an effective field goal percentage of 0.373 (below their season average of 0.486). The Yellow Jackets also had a turnover percentage of 29.4 (above their season average of 20.6). The Huskies, on the other hand, knocked down 17 of their 23 free throws (73.9 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.667 (above their season average of 0.515). Washington was led by Isaiah Stewart, who finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Jarron Coleman was a key piece for Ball State with 17 points and five rebounds.
Of the Cardinals’ nine games with betting action, six have finished under the projected point total. Ball State comes into the contest with records of 6-4 straight up (SU) and 5-4 against the spread (ATS).
Huskies games have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Further, Washington is 8-2 SU and 5-5 ATS.
Points could be at a premium as two of the nation’s top defenses square off. Washington ranks 53rd in defensive efficiency (90.3) and Ball State is 12th (85.6). Moreover, the Cardinals rank 297th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.179), while the Huskies rank 37th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.158).
Ball State Cardinals vs. Washington Huskies Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Washington, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 20th in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while Washington ranks 234th (17.9).
- The Cardinals rank 32nd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Huskies rank 67th (5.9).
- The Cardinals average 16.2 assists per game, which ranks 31st in the nation. The Huskies rank 174th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- Washington ranks seventh in blocks per game (6.3) while Ball State ranks 65th (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 82.0 points per game (8.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.6, up from 14.9 for the season.
