It will be a showdown between two sensational offenses when the Murray State Racers (13-5, 6-0 OVC) meet the Belmont Bruins (14-5, 5-1 OVC) at CFSB Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Belmont Bruins vs. Murray State Racers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Racers were victorious over the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 96-91, while the Bruins won big over the Morehead State Eagles 77-59.
Belmont played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.136 (below their season average of 0.148) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 26.5). Morehead State was 0.062 and 25.0, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Murray State’s 0.519 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Southeast Missouri State, who had a mark of 0.439. The Racers’ mark was above their season average of 0.277. Anthony Smith played well for Murray State with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Nick Muszynski had a good outing for Belmont, contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Racers won the last contest 77-65. Murray State won the rebounding battle. The Racers had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. 6), defensive rebounds (35 vs. 25) and total rebounds (46 vs. 31). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The Bruins’ Muszynski has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 16 points,9.2 rebounds,1.2 blocks per game. Meanwhile, KJ Williams has averaged 15 points,7.2 rebounds during that same time frame for the Racers.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Murray State takes on the elite defense of Belmont. The Racers rank 25th in offensive efficiency, while the Bruins are 33rd in defensive efficiency.
Belmont Bruins at Murray State Racers Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Murray State, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Belmont ranks 16th in three pointers attempted per game (28.5) while Murray State ranks 254th (17.8).
- The Bruins average 19.0 assists per game, which ranks second in the country. The Racers rank 47th in assists allowed per game (10.8).
- Belmont averages 3.4 blocks per game, which ranks 97th in the NCAA. Murray State ranks 139th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Racers rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (29.2) while the Bruins rank 189th (36.3).
- Murray State ranks 38th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Belmont ranks 138th (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.6, up from 14.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 82.8 points per game (5.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
