Expect a shootout when the Belmont Bruins (21-7, 12-3 OVC) challenge the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (14-14, 11-4 OVC) at McBrayer Arena. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Belmont Bruins vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Colonels had no trouble getting past the Tennessee State Tigers 83-62, while the Bruins beat the Morehead State Eagles 80-67.
The Bruins forced 17 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.617 (above their season average of 0.556). Meanwhile, Eastern Kentucky dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.2 (better than their season average of 16.1) and a free throw rate of 0.200 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Tennessee State was 27.8 and 0.137, respectively. Eastern Kentucky was led by Ty Taylor, who recorded 22 points and five rebounds. Grayson Murphy fueled Belmont with 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
In their first matchup this year, Nick Muszynski led the Bruins to an 87-56 win. He put up 16 points and eight rebounds. Belmont won the rebounding battle. The Bruins had 18 offensive rebounds and 56 total rebounds, while the Colonels had seven and 29, respectively.
There should be plenty of transition offense in this battle that showcases a pair of the country’s more fast-paced teams. Eastern Kentucky currently ranks seventh in possessions per game (76.4) and Belmont is 39th (72.9). Additionally, the Bruins rank ninth in effective field goal percentage (0.558), whereas the bottom-tier defense of the Colonels ranks 274th with an effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.514.
Belmont Bruins vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – Eastern Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Belmont averages 18.8 assists per game, which ranks first in the nation. Eastern Kentucky ranks 239th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
- The Bruins rank 63rd in steals per game (7.5) while the Colonels rank 142nd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- Belmont ranks 95th in blocks per game (3.4) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 98th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
- The Bruins average 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 74th in the NCAA. The Colonels rank 293rd in rebounds allowed per game (40.6).
- Belmont ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 113th in three pointers allowed per game (20.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Colonels have scored an average of 82.4 points per game (5.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
- The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.6, up from 12.6 for the season.
