The Murray State Racers (17-6, 10-1 OVC) will be at the Gentry Center to clash against the Tennessee State Tigers (15-9, 7-4 OVC) in an OVC matchup. Action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Murray State Racers vs. Tennessee State Tigers ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Tigers edged the Austin Peay Governors, 70-68, while the Racers fell to the Belmont Bruins, 71-64.
Tennessee State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Austin Peay. The Tigers had a rate of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.542), while the Governors posted a mark of 0.375 (below their season average of 0.534). Murray State, meanwhile, held Belmont to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.9 (below their season average of 26.0). Tennessee State was lifted by Carlos Marshall Jr., who recorded 19 points and five rebounds. DaQuan Smith, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Murray State with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this season, Devin Gilmore led the Racers to a 76-64 victory. He notched a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. One of Murray State’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-22 (81.8 percent), while the Tigers were just 8-15 (53.3 percent).
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Tigers currently rank 41st in offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 percent), while Murray State ranks 19th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.9 percent). Furthermore, the Racers are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 21st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.288). The Tigers, meanhwile, rank 322nd at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.290.
Murray State Racers vs. Tennessee State Tigers Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Tennessee State, ATS Winner – Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Tennessee State ranks 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Murray State ranks 127th (3.7).
- The Racers rank 42nd in assists per game (15.0) while the Tigers rank 85th (14.1).
- The Tigers rank 198th in three pointers attempted per game (20.6) while the Racers rank 253rd (18.4).
- Murray State is 11th in the nation with 30.1 rebounds allowed per game while Tennessee State is 58th with 32.5 rebounds allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
- The Racers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, down from 12.0 for the season.
