Ohio vs. Eastern Michigan Betting Preview & Free Pick

Ohio (11-10 SU 12-7 ATS) vs. Eastern Michigan (5-16 SU 7-12 ATS)
When: Tuesday, January 31st: 7:00 ET
Where: Convocation Center (MI) Ypsilanti, MI
TV: ESPN+
Point Spread: OU -8/EMU +8
Total: 155.0
Money Line: Ohio Bobcats -373/Eastern Michigan Eagles +285

The Ohio Bobcats will look to put an end to an 8-game conference road losing streak when they travel to Ypsilanti, MI to take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles. The college basketball odds board has the Bobcats as a large -8 favorite with a total line of 155.5

Line Movement

The Ohio Bobcats were originally offered at most betting shops as a -8 favorite and climbed to -8.5 before falling back to -8. The total opened at 155.5, and while it has held at most boards, we’re starting to see some 154.5s posted.

Last Game Info

Ohio is coming off a loss to Akron (83-77). Going into the game, the Bobcats were +6 point underdogs, resulting in an ATS push. The combined 160 points finished above the 137.5 total line.

Eastern Michigan will be looking for another win, as they most recently defeated Miami (OH) by a score of 74-69. The Eagles also picked up an ATS victory as they were +6 point underdogs. The combined 143 points did not surpass the 154.5 total line.

Current Form

Ohio
Over their last five games, Ohio has a straight-up record of 2-3 while going 2-2-1 vs the spread. Over this stretch, the Bobcats’ offense is averaging 80.2 points per game while hitting 47.9% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 49.0% from the field while allowing 77.4 points per contest.

Eastern Michigan
In their previous five contests, Eastern Michigan is 1-4 straight-up and 2-2-1 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 70.0 points per game on a shooting percentage of 43.8%. Defensively, they are allowing teams to hit 49.2% of their shots while giving up 84.4 points per game.

Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played

This season, the combined power rating of Ohio’s opponents comes in at 75.5. On the other side, Eastern Michigan’s combined opponent power rating sits at 74.6.

How Does Ohio Fare On The Road?

For the season, the Bobcats have played 10 road games and have a record of 2-8. In these contests, Ohio is 4-5 vs the spread. Offensively, they have averaged 75.7 points per game on a shooting percentage of 44.6%. On defense, the Bobcats are allowing 80.2 points per contest when playing away from home. So far, opposing teams have a field goal percentage of 46.3% in these games.

How Does Eastern Michigan Fare At Home?

In their 10 games at home, Eastern Michigan has a 3-5 record vs. the spread while going 3-7 straight-up. On offense, the Eagles are shooting 41.2% on their home floor, leading to 69.7 points per game. Defensively, opponents are shooting 47.1% in these contests. The Eastern Michigan defense is allowing 78.4 points per game at home.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Ohio is averaging 73.9 points per game (116th) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 43.1%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against an Eastern Michigan defense that has allowed an average of 81.1 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 48.9% of their shots vs. Eastern Michigan. On the other side, the Eastern Michigan Eagles are coming into the game averaging 69.1 points per game on a shooting percentage of 43.1%. The Eagles will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 73.0 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 42.4% of their shots vs the Bobcats.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Ohio has a shooting percentage of 34.0% while ranking 108th in attempts per game. The Bobcats will be facing an Eastern Michigan defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 33.6%. Eastern Michigan enters the game, having hit 30.8% of their looks from deep while averaging 6.32 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Ohio has allowed opponents to hit 34.9% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Ohio

• IJ Ezuma (Out) Foot

Eastern Michigan

• No Reported Injuries

More Picks: Get Crew’s Akron at Buffalo O/U total pick 1/31/23 >>>

Pick Against The Spread

The Bobcats are a better team, but no way are they worthy of being an 8-point favorite on the road. They’re 2-9 on the road this season, including an 0-4 mark in MAC games. The Eagles have shown some signs of life in their last two, both coming on the road, beating Miami (OH) 74-69, and playing Toledo tough in an 84-79 loss. Take the points and back EMU.