The Missouri State Bears (15-16, 9-9 MVC) face off against the Indiana State Sycamores (18-11, 11-7 MVC) in the Missouri Valley Conference Tourney at Enterprise Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Missouri State Bears vs. Indiana State Sycamores ATS Prediction
The Bears come in on a high note after blowing out the Southern Illinois Salukis in their last matchup, 84-59. The Bears, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.5, had an extraordinary mark of 41.7 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.646 (above their season average of 0.490). With 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, Kabir Mohammed was Missouri State’s leading scorer.
In the Sycamores’ previous matchup, they defeated the Valparaiso Crusaders, 71-58. The Sycamores had a great turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 15.7), while the Crusaders had a free throw rate of 0.125 (below their season average of 0.194). Christian Williams was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field.
Second-chance opportunities might be few and far between for Indiana State in this showdown. The Sycamores rank 304th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.7 percent), while Missouri State ranks 16th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.2 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Gaige Prim (14 points,7.2 rebounds,1.2 blocks) has been fantastic for the Bears while Christian Williams (12 points,1.2 steals) has made solid contributions to the Sycamores.
Missouri State Bears vs. Indiana State Sycamores Free Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Indiana State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Missouri State ranks 92nd in rebounds per game (36.9) while Indiana State ranks 279th (32.1).
The Bears rank 48th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while the Sycamores rank 141st (12.6).
Indiana State ranks 18th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Missouri State ranks 100th (6.2).
The Bears rank 214th in three pointers attempted per game (19.7) while the Sycamores rank 254th (18.3).
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 2.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Sycamores have scored an average of 67.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (1.8 below their season average).