The Western Illinois Leathernecks (5-1) go head-to-head against the Miami (OH) RedHawks (3-2) at Western Hall. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 132 points with Western Illinois set as a 5-point favorite.
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Prediction
In the RedHawks’ last contest, they blew out the Midway Eagles, 123-40. The RedHawks had an extraordinary effective field goal percentage of 0.753 (above their season average of 0.465) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 51.6 (above their season average of 28.8). Dalonte Brown was a key piece for Miami (OH) with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Leathernecks were victorious over the IUPUI Jaguars in their last outing, 90-77. Western Illinois made good use of their 26 trips to the charity stripe, converting on 22 of them (84.6 percent). IUPUI, meanwhile, was just 10-18 (55.6 percent). Kobe Webster was the game’s high scorer with 27 points on 10-for-14 shooting.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Western Illinois. Since last season, Western Illinois ranks 167th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.6 percent), while the gambling defense of Miami (OH) has forced the 53rd-most turnovers in the nation (20.9 percent). Additionally, second chance points figure to be tough to come by for the RedHawks. They rank 286th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 26.6 percent, while the Leathernecks have been 12th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.8 percent).
Miami (OH) comes into the game with records of 3-2 straight up (SU) and 3-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the RedHawks’ 6 games, four have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Western Illinois owns records of 5-1 SU and 3-1 ATS. Leathernecks games also have a tendency to finish under the projected point total (75.0 percent).
The RedHawks won the lone game against the Leathernecks last season, 81-72. The RedHawks had a better turnover percentage (14.1 vs. 17.9) and had a better free throw rate (0.444 vs. 0.358).
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Western Illinois, ATS Winner – Miami (OH), O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Miami (OH) ranks 53rd in steals per game (7.2) while Western Illinois ranks 259th (5.0).
The Leathernecks average 22.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 103rd in the nation. The RedHawks rank 281st in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
Western Illinois ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Miami (OH) ranks 168th (3.6).
The Leathernecks rank 152nd in assists per game (13.8) while the RedHawks rank 258th (11.9).
Western Illinois ranks 193rd in rebounds per game (35.3) while Miami (OH) ranks 266th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
