MAC foes will collide when the Central Michigan Chippewas (16-10, 5-8 MAC) square off against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (15-11, 6-7 MAC) at McGuirk Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Odds Preview
In the Eagles last game, they barely escaped the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 58-57. With 14 points and 14 rebounds, Eastern Michigan’s James Thompson IV played well. Eastern Michigan played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.216 (below their season average of 0.219) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 30.0). For those same stats, Miami (OH) was 0.163 and 26.7, respectively.
The Chippewas come in on a high note after defeating the Northern Illinois Huskies in their last outing, 80-72. With 33 points on 14-for-20 shooting, Kevin McKay was the games high scorer. Central Michigan dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.2 (better than their season average of 15.0) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.5 (above their season average of 32.6). For those same stats, Northern Illinois was 24.4 and 25.0, respectively.
Central Michigan appears to have an edge on the offensive glass in this matchup. The Chippewas are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 64th in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.0 percent. Meanwhile, Eastern Michigan ranks 305th in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 68.1 percent.
These teams have already met once this season. The Eagles won 79-74. The Eagles dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.595 and a turnover percentage of 16.8. The Chippewas put up marks of 0.500 and 19.8, respectively, for those same stats. Despite the loss, Cecil Williams was a top performer in the game with 23 points and eight rebounds.
Eastern Michigan Eagles at Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Central Michigan, ATS Winner – Central Michigan, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Chippewas rank 79th in rebounds per game (37.4) while the Eagles rank 171st in rebounds allowed per game (35.5).
- Central Michigan ranks 168th in assists per game (13.3) while Eastern Michigan ranks 213th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
- Central Michigan ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (28.5) while Eastern Michigan ranks 229th (19.5).
- The Eagles rank fourth in blocks per game (6.3) while the Chippewas rank 110th (3.4).
- Eastern Michigan ranks eighth in steals per game (8.9) while Central Michigan ranks 101st (6.5).
Betting Trends:
- The Chippewas average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 6.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 61.4 points per game (9.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.2 points per game (6.4 below their season average).
