Belmont Bruins vs Murray State Racers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/25/25
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Bruins and Racers. The game is starting at 4:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Racers at CFSB Center in Murray, KY. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this Missouri Valley conference contest is set at 151.5 points, with Murray State being favored by -4.5 at home against Belmont.
BELMONT BRUINS VS MURRAY STATE RACERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Murray State Racers -4.5
This game will be played at CFSB Center at 4:00 ET on Saturday, January 25th.
WHY BET THE MURRAY STATE RACERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-70 in favor of the Racers.
- Not only will Murray State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -4.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 151.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 148 points.
Will the Bruins Secure A Victory as Road Underdogs?
Belmont Bruins Recent Game/Games
Belmont fell to 13-6 on the season after an 89-77 home loss to Bradley on Tuesday. The Bruins entered the game as +2.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread.
After a 43-43 tie at halftime, Belmont struggled in the 2nd half, scoring 34 points while allowing 46. The total points for the game reached 166, surpassing the O/U line of 155.5.
Belmont’s offense put up 77 points in their last game, despite shooting just 38.2% from the field. They connected on 29.7% of their three-point attempts, hitting 11 of 37 from deep, while their effective field goal percentage stood at 47.1%. At the free-throw line, they were efficient, making 14 of 17 for 82.4%.
Christian Davis led the way with 19 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 46.7% overall and 50% from three. Carter Whitt contributed 15 points and 11 assists, hitting 54.5% of his shots and 50% from beyond the arc. Belmont also grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and dished out 18 assists as a team.
Despite Belmont’s defensive efforts, they allowed 89 points in their previous game. The opposing team shot 38% from the field, making 26 of their 68 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Belmont’s defense gave up 11 threes on 37 attempts (29%). The other team also went 14/17 from the free-throw line, shooting 82%. Belmont allowed 14 offensive rebounds.
Can the Murray State Offense Score Enough at Home?
Murray State Racers Recent Game/Games
Murray State improved to 10-9 on the season with a 74-64 road win over Southern Illinois on Wednesday. The Racers entered the game as -1.5 point favorites and covered the spread with the victory.
Leading 34-32 at halftime, Murray State outscored the Salukis 40-32 in the second half. The game’s total points of 138 narrowly exceeded the O/U line of 137.5.
Murray State put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 49.1% from the field. They were strong inside, hitting 60% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 27.8% of their threes.
AJ Ferguson led the way with 22 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 66.7% overall. Ali Dibba added 21 points, while Kennard Davis Jr. contributed 20, despite hitting only 12.5% from three-point range.
Murray State’s defense held their opponent to 64 points, with the Racers allowing a 42% shooting performance from the field. The opposition made 23 of their 54 attempts, including 20/34 from two-point range, where they shot 58%.
From beyond the arc, Murray State limited their opponent to just 3 made threes on 20 attempts, a 15% shooting performance. The Racers also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 15 of those attempts, shooting 71%. Murray State gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.