EMU vs. WMU Expert Free Pick | CBB Predictions 1/23/24

Eastern Michigan Eagles (8-10 SU, 7-8-1 ATS) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (7-11 SU, 11-6 ATS)

When: Tuesday, January 23rd, 7:00 PM (ET)

Where: University Arena (MI), MI, Kalamazoo

TV: ESPN+

Point Spread: EMICH +6/WMICH -6

Total: 148

Money Line: Eastern Michigan Eagles +210/-262

Notable Injuries

Eagles

Broncos

Recent Form

Eastern Michigan enters this game as a six-point underdog, and they have gone 4-8 in 12 games as the underdog this season. The Eagles have lost four straight games, and they are just 1-5 in Mid-American Conference play.

On the road, Eastern Michigan is just 2-7 this season, and they have lost five straight games away from home. For the year, the Eagles have an average scoring margin of -14.6 points per game on the road.

Eastern Michigan’s over/under record for the season sits at 8-7-1, and today’s over/under line of 148 is higher than the average over/under line in their games this year (143.8). So far, 10 of their games have finished with more points than today’s line. In their last three games, their over/under record is 1-2, with an average scoring total of 138 points.

Eastern Michigan has an ATS record of 7-8-1 this season, and they are 4-4-1 ATS on the road. As the underdog, the Eagles have gone 7-5 vs. the spread this year. Over their last 10 games as the underdog, Eastern Michigan has a 6-4 ATS mark.

Western Michigan comes into this game with a 7-11 record, including a 4-4 mark at home. They have lost two straight games, including their most recent game against Bowling Green by a score of 84-79.

For the season, the Broncos have been the underdog in 15 of their 18 games, going 5-10 in those games. As the favorite, they are 1-1.

Western Michigan’s over/under record this season is 10-7 and today’s line of 148 is higher than the average over/under line in their games (143.3). Over their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1, and the average scoring total in those games is 155 points.

When looking at Western Michigan’s ATS record this season, they are currently 11-6. At home, the Broncos are 5-3 vs. the spread. Over their last three home games, they are 2-0 ATS and over their last 10 home games, they are 6-3 ATS. As the favorite this season, Western Michigan is 1-1 vs. the spread.

Analysis

In their previous game, the Eagles’ offense finished with 67 points, which is right in line with their current average of 67.5 points per contest. Tyson Acuff is leading the team in scoring at 22.2 points per contest. Yusuf Jihad has also been a key contributor with a PPG average of 7.6 going into the game.

Currently, the Eagles’ defense holds the 228th rank in the nation, allowing 75.0 points per game. In their previous game vs. Ohio, the Bobcats finished with a field goal percentage of 56% and a total of 85 points vs. Eastern Michigan.

Western Michigan’s offense is coming off a good game, putting up 79 points vs. Bowling Green. Overall, they hit 45.1% of their shots from the field and went 5/10 from the free-throw line. Owen Lobsinger led the scoring for the Broncos, contributing 25 points. Additionally, Jefferson Monegro chipped in with 18 points.

As they prepare for the upcoming game, Western Michigan is focused on shoring up their defense, as they are currently allowing an average of 76.7 points per game (255th). Western Michigan will look once again to perform well on defense, holding Bowling Green to just 39% shooting in their most recent game.

Betting Trends

• In their last five road games, Eastern Michigan has averaged 69 points per game while allowing 80. The team’s record in this stretch was 0-5 while going 3-2.
• In their last three home games, Western Michigan has averaged 75 points per game while allowing 79. The team’s record in this stretch was 1-2 while going 3-0.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting underdog, the Eagles have gone 3-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-4.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting favorite, the Broncos have gone 2-3 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 2-3.

Crew’s Total Pick

The Broncos are a good 4-2 in conference play. They’ve averaged 81 points per game in those matches and for the most part have have had a large edge in three point shooting versus their opponent. On paper that looks like a problem spot for the Eagles who allow a 265th ranked 34.6% from 3-point land. WMU is a perfect 6-0 versus the line in MAC games and I think they can make it seven tonight. Take WMU -6.