Lindenwood Lions vs Eastern Illinois Panthers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/2/25
Looking to win big? The Lions and Panthers face off at 8:30 ET on ESPN+. The Panthers are hosting the game at Groniger Arena in Charleston, IL. The over/under for this game is set at 137.5 points, and Eastern Illinois is favored by -3.5 vs. Lindenwood in a Ohio Valley conference matchup.
LINDENWOOD LIONS VS EASTERN ILLINOIS PANTHERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Eastern Illinois Panthers -3.5
This game will be played at Groniger Arena at 8:30 ET on Thursday, January 2nd.
WHY BET THE EASTERN ILLINOIS PANTHERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 85-64 in favor of the Panthers.
- Not only will Eastern Illinois pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -3.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 137.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 149 points.
Can the Lions Grab a Win on the Road?
Lindenwood Lions Recent Game/Games
Lindenwood improved to 3-7 on the season with a 71-65 win over Western Illinois on Saturday, December 21st. The Lions, favored by 2 points, covered the spread, and the total points of 136 narrowly exceeded the over/under line of 135.5.
After leading 36-25 at halftime, Lindenwood allowed 40 points in the 2nd half while scoring 35, but they held on for the win.
Lindenwood’s offense put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 48.2% from the field. They hit just 4 of 15 from beyond the arc, connecting at 26.7%, while their two-point shooting was a strong 56.1% (23/41).
Ryan Myers and Jadis Jones were efficient, each playing 38 minutes. Myers hit 4 threes at 57.1% and shot 63.6% overall, while Jones went 8 for 13 from the field. Marko Maletic added 19 points, shooting 40% from deep.
Despite Lindenwood’s defensive efforts, they allowed 65 points on 48% shooting. The Lions gave up 23 two-point baskets on 41 attempts, a 56% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, Lindenwood held their opponent to 26% shooting, with just 4 threes made on 15 attempts. They also sent the other team to the line 18 times, where they hit 13 free throws for 72%.
Can the Panthers Please their Home Crowd?
Eastern Illinois dropped to 1-9 on the season after a 79-72 road loss to Southeast Missouri State on Thursday. The Panthers entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 151, surpassing the O/U line of 139.5.
EIU trailed 38-35 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap in the second half, scoring 37 points while allowing 41.
Eastern Illinois put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 41.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 46.4%. They connected on 35.7% of their three-point attempts, going 5-for-14 from deep, and hit 72.4% of their free throws, making 21 of 29 from the line. The Panthers grabbed 17 offensive rebounds but managed just 6 assists as a team.
Teddy Washington Jr. led the way with 28 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 5 of 10 from three-point range. Zion Fruster added 15 points, shooting 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, while Kooper Jacobi also contributed 15 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
Eastern Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 79 points on 56% shooting from the field. They allowed 27 made field goals on 48 attempts.
Inside the arc, the Panthers gave up 17 two-pointers on 26 attempts, a 65% shooting percentage. From three-point range, they allowed 10 threes on 22 attempts, a 45% clip. Eastern Illinois also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 20 times, where they made 15 free throws, shooting 75%.