UTEP Miners vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/1/25
The Miners and Blue Raiders are set to face off at 3:00 ET on ESPN+. The Blue Raiders will host the game at Murphy Athletic Center in Murfreesboro, TN. The over/under for this Conference USA conference contest is set at 143.5 points, with Middle Tennessee being favored by -4.5 at home against UTEP.
UTEP MINERS VS MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders -4.5
This game will be played at Murphy Athletic Center at 3:00 ET on Saturday, February 1st.
WHY BET THE MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Blue Raiders.
- Not only will Middle Tennessee pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -4.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 143.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Will the UTEP Defense Show Up on the Road?
UTEP Miners Recent Game/Games
UTEP’s season record dropped to 12-6 after a 78-74 road loss to Western Kentucky on Thursday. The Miners entered the game as +2.5 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 152, surpassing the over/under line of 147.5.
UTEP trailed 34-32 at halftime and scored 42 points in the 2nd half but allowed 44 points, resulting in the loss.
In their last game, UTEP’s offense put up 74 points, shooting 41.1% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 26 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 50%, and they connected on 79.2% of their free throws, going 19 for 24 from the line.
Khristian Lander led the way with 28 points, shooting 73.3% overall and 66.7% from three, hitting 4 of 6 attempts. Don McHenry added 20 points, while David Terrell Jr. contributed 15 points and 8 assists. UTEP finished with 16 assists and 8 offensive rebounds in the game.
Despite UTEP’s defensive struggles, allowing 78 points on 55% shooting, they couldn’t capitalize on the Miners’ 71% two-point shooting, where UTEP went 23/32. The Miners also connected on 7/22 from beyond the arc, shooting 31% from three-point range.
UTEP sent their opponent to the line 16 times, where they converted 11 free throws, shooting 68%. The Miners did well on the boards, giving up just 4 offensive rebounds.
Do the Blue Raiders Have What it Takes to Win as Home Favorites?
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Recent Game/Games
The Blue Raiders fell to 12-7 on the season after a 61-57 home loss to New Mexico State on Thursday. Middle Tennessee, who were -6.5 favorites going into the game, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 35-26 at halftime, the Blue Raiders tightened up defensively in the second half, allowing just 26 points while scoring 31 of their own. Despite the improved play, they couldn’t complete the comeback. The game’s total points (118) came in well under the O/U line of 142.5.
Middle Tennessee struggled from beyond the arc in their last game, hitting just 6 of 26 threes for a 23.1% shooting percentage. Their overall field goal percentage was 43.4%, with an effective field goal percentage of 49.1%. Inside the arc, they were much more effective, shooting 63% on two-point attempts.
Camryn Weston led the team with 19 points, while Robert Carpenter added 16 points and 7 rebounds. Jestin Porter contributed 14 points, and Peter Filipovity had a strong game with 12 points and 9 rebounds. The Blue Raiders finished with 8 offensive rebounds and 8 assists in the game.
Middle Tennessee’s defense held their opponent to 61 points, allowing them to shoot 43% from the field. The Blue Raiders gave up 17 two-point baskets on 27 attempts, which is 63% shooting.
From beyond the arc, Middle Tennessee’s defense limited their opponent to 6 made threes on 26 attempts, a 23% shooting performance. They also sent them to the free-throw line 8 times, where they made 5, shooting 62%. The Blue Raiders gave up 8 offensive rebounds.