A five-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Missouri State Bears (6-7) when they welcome the Evansville Aces (9-4) to JQH Arena. The game begins at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
Evansville Aces at Missouri State Bears ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Bears fell to the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, 82-72, while the Aces won a close one over the Murray State Racers, 78-76.
Evansville played a nearly perfect game. They had a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.577 (above their season average of 0.528) and a turnover percentage of 18.0 (worse than their season average of 16.4). For those same stats, Murray State was 0.444 and 21.1, respectively. Missouri State, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 12.6 (better than their season average of 20.3). Missouri State rallied around Gaige Prim, who put up 12 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, DeAndre Williams led the way for Evansville, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Bears won the last game 68-56. One of Missouri State’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 25 trips to the line, while Evansville went just 14 times. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The offensive glass should be a solid advantage for Missouri State in this matchup. The Bears rank 37th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.8 percent), while Evansville ranks 220th in defensive rebounding percentage (71.3 percent). It will also be a showdown of contrasting styles as the up-tempo Aces rank 48th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Bears rank 301st.
Evansville Aces vs. Missouri State Bears Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Evansville, ATS Winner – Evansville, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Missouri State ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (30.5) while Evansville ranks 209th (37.7).
- The Aces rank 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Bears rank 65th (3.0).
- Missouri State ranks 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Evansville ranks 61st (11.2).
- The Aces rank 79th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while the Bears rank 239th (18.5).
- Evansville ranks 19th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Missouri State ranks 144th (7.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 2.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Aces have scored an average of 80.0 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.2 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
