Western Illinois Leathernecks vs Morehead State Eagles NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/16/25
Planning on watching today’s Leathernecks and Eagles game? Catch the action at Ellis T. Johnson Arena in Morehead, KY, as the Eagles hosts this showdown at 7:30 ET on ESPN+. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 132 points, and Morehead State is favored by -6 to win at home against Western Illinois.
WESTERN ILLINOIS LEATHERNECKS VS MOREHEAD STATE EAGLES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Morehead State Eagles -6
This game will be played at Ellis T. Johnson Arena at 7:30 ET on Thursday, January 16th.
WHY BET THE MOREHEAD STATE EAGLES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-69 in favor of the Eagles.
- Not only will Morehead State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -6.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 132 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.
Will the Leathernecks Secure A Victory as Road Underdogs?
Western Illinois dropped to 5-9 on the season after a 72-52 home loss to Tennessee State on Saturday. The Leathernecks were -2.5 favorites but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 124 fell short of the O/U line of 146.5.
Western Illinois struggled early, trailing 39-19 at halftime. They matched Tennessee State’s 33 points in the 2nd half but couldn’t close the gap.
Western Illinois struggled offensively in their last game, managing just 52 points on 32.7% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 38.8%, with two-point shooting at 32.3% and three-point shooting at 33.3% (6/18). They also hit 66.7% of their free throws, going 14/21 from the line.
Julius Rollins led the way with 18 points, hitting 4 of 5 from beyond the arc and shooting 60% overall. Ronald Jessamy added 16 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 63.6%, while Josh Ogundele contributed 12 points and 8 boards, hitting 71.4% of his shots. Marko Maletic struggled, shooting 28.6% overall and 14.3% from three.
Western Illinois held their opponent to 72 points on 32% shooting from the field, as they allowed just 16 made field goals on 49 attempts. The Leathernecks limited two-point opportunities, with their opponent hitting only 10 of 31 shots inside the arc, also at a 32% rate.
From three-point range, Western Illinois gave up 6 threes on 18 attempts, with their opponent shooting 33% from deep. The Leathernecks also sent them to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 14 free throws, shooting 66%. Western Illinois allowed 10 offensive rebounds in the game.
Can Morehead State Lock in a Home Win?
Morehead State Eagles Recent Game/Games
The Eagles improved to 7-7 on the season with a 67-56 win over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday. Morehead State, who entered the game as +3 underdogs, not only picked up the win but also covered the spread.
After leading 27-26 at halftime, the Eagles pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Redhawks 40-30. The game’s total points of 123 fell short of the 137.5 O/U line.
Morehead State put up 67 points in their last game, shooting 48.1% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. They connected on 21 of 40 two-point attempts, good for 52.5%, and hit 10 of 15 free throws (66.7%). The Eagles also grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and dished out 10 assists.
Rob Martin led the way with 21 points and 8 assists, shooting 8 for 12 overall and 4 for 5 from three-point range. Anouar Mellouk added 18 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 8 of 9 shots, including his only three-point attempt.
Morehead State’s defense held their opponent to just 56 points on 41% shooting from the field. They allowed 17 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, a 48% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, Morehead State limited their opponent to 5 made threes on 18 attempts, a 27% success rate. They also sent them to the free-throw line 11 times, where they made 7 free throws, shooting 63%. The Eagles gave up only 3 offensive rebounds.