The No. 5 Marquette Golden Eagles (24-9) will be 3.5-point favorites in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at XL Center when they clash with the No. 12 Murray State Racers (27-4). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 149.5 points and action begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 21, 2019.
Murray State Racers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Golden Eagles lost a winnable game to the Seton Hall Pirates, 81-79, while the Racers were victorious over the Belmont Bruins, 77-65.
Murray State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.6 (below their season average of 32.3) and a free throw rate of 0.258 (above their season average of 0.245). For those same stats, Belmont was 14.6 and 0.125, respectively. Marquette, on the other hand, did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (29-41; 70.7 percent). Sam Hauser had a good game for Marquette with 22 points and nine rebounds. Ja Morant, meanwhile had a solid performance for Murray State, contributing 36 points and seven rebounds.
Racers matchups have a tendency to go over the projected point total (55.2 percent). Murray State holds records of 27-4 straight up (SU) and 19-10 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Murray State, games involving the Golden Eagles have a tendency to go under the total (57.6 percent). Additionally, Marquette owns records of 24-9 SU and 19-14 ATS.
Points could be at a premium in this battle between a pair of the nation’s best defenses. Marquette ranks 55th in defensive efficiency (97.8) and Murray State is 27th (95.8).
Murray State Racers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Marquette, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Murray State ranks 42nd in steals per game (7.6) while Marquette ranks 232nd (4.8).
- The Golden Eagles rank 45th in rebounds per game (38.1) while the Racers rank 112th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1).
- Marquette averages 24.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 97th in the nation. Murray State ranks 98th in three pointers allowed per game (21.1).
- The Racers rank fifth in assists per game (18.1) while the Golden Eagles rank 132nd (13.6).
- Marquette ranks 53rd in blocks per game (4.2) while Murray State ranks 129th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Racers have scored an average of 84.2 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
- The Golden Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 8.6 for the season.
