The Cleveland State Vikings (4-9) travel to Credit Union 1 Arena to square off against the UIC Flames (5-8). The Vikings will try to put an end to their five-game losing streak. The game begins at 4:12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 28, 2019.
Cleveland State Vikings at UIC Flames Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Flames were victorious over the UC Irvine Anteaters, 76-67, while the Vikings got blown out by the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 80-55.
UIC played a nearly perfect game. They had a solid effective field goal percentage of 0.573 (above their season average of 0.481) and a free throw rate of 0.236 (above their season average of 0.205). For those same stats, UC Irvine was 0.458 and 0.220, respectively. Cleveland State, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.1 (above their season average of 28.9). UIC rallied around Tarkus Ferguson, who put up 14 points and six rebounds. Algevon Eichelberger, meanwhile was a key piece for Cleveland State with 23 points and 13 rebounds.
The Flames dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the most recent contest, UIC won 81-77. UIC did a great job of making free throws (13-18; 72.2 percent). Cleveland State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 vs. 16.7). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The physical Cleveland State offense looks poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Vikings currently rank 74th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.261, while UIC is among the nation’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 226th-ranked FTA rate of 0.231).
Cleveland State Vikings vs. UIC Flames Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – UIC, ATS Winner – UIC, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UIC ranks 57th in three pointers attempted per game (25.5) while Cleveland State ranks 263rd (14.8).
- The Flames average 14.2 assists per game, which ranks 82nd in the nation. The Vikings rank 139th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- Cleveland State averages 8.2 steals per game, which ranks 53rd in the nation. UIC ranks 105th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- The Flames rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Vikings rank 142nd (5.5).
- Cleveland State averages 35.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 147th in the nation. UIC ranks 221st in rebounds allowed per game (38.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Vikings’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 16.8, up from 12.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Flames have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (5.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
