The Toledo Rockets (14-14, 6-9 MAC) and their outstanding offense host the Ball State Cardinals (16-12, 9-6 MAC) and their exceptional defense. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 29, 2020.
Ball State Cardinals vs. Toledo Rockets ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Rockets defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas 93-81, while the Cardinals beat the Western Michigan Broncos 71-61.
Ball State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.396 (above their season average of 0.195) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.4 (below their season average of 25.7). For those same stats, Western Michigan recorded marks of 0.130 and 17.6, respectively. The Rockets, on the other hand, knocked down 19 of their 20 free throws (95.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.685 (above their season average of 0.515). Marreon Jackson played well for Toledo with 37 points. Ball State was lifted by Tahjai Teague, who put up 13 points and 13 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Ishmael El-Amin led the Cardinals to a 61-57 victory. He was the game’s leading scorer with 17 points. Making free throws was one of Ball State’s largest strengths. They were 8-9 (88.9 percent), while the Rockets were just 7-15 (46.7 percent).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Toledo (50th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 109.1) takes on the top-notch defense of Ball State (14th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 90.9). Additionally, the Cardinals rank 278th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.201), while the Rockets rank 56th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.187).
Ball State Cardinals vs. Toledo Rockets ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Toledo, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Ball State ranks 25th in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while Toledo ranks 201st in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
- The Cardinals rank 10th in assists allowed per game (9.7) while the Rockets rank 85th (11.7).
- Ball State ranks 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Toledo ranks 85th (3.1).
- The Rockets average 38.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 62nd in the nation. The Cardinals rank 153rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
- Ball State ranks 90th in steals per game (6.9) while Toledo ranks 167th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 4.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 65.6 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
