Western Illinois Leathernecks vs Lindenwood Lions NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Leathernecks and Lions. The game is starting at 4:30 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Lions at Hyland Arena in Saint Charles, MO. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 136.5 points, and Lindenwood is favored by -3.5 vs. Western Illinois in a Ohio Valley conference matchup.
WESTERN ILLINOIS LEATHERNECKS VS LINDENWOOD LIONS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Western Illinois Leathernecks +3.5
This game will be played at Hyland Arena at 4:30 ET on Saturday, December 21st.
WHY BET THE WESTERN ILLINOIS LEATHERNECKS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-73 in favor of the Leathernecks.
- Not only will Western Illinois pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +3.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 136.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 149 points.
Can The Leathernecks Secure a Road Victory?
Western Illinois improved to 4-5 on the season with a 71-68 win over Tennessee Tech on Tuesday. The Leathernecks were favored by 2.5 points and covered the spread, but the game’s total points (139) fell just short of the 139.5 O/U line.
After trailing 31-31 at halftime, Western Illinois outscored the Golden Eagles 40-37 in the second half to secure the win.
Western Illinois put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 42.4% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 48.5%. They hit 33.3% from beyond the arc, going 7-for-21, and were 80% from the free-throw line, making 8 of 10 attempts. The Leathernecks grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and dished out 9 assists as a team.
Ryan Myers led the way with 21 points, shooting 53.8% overall, while Ray Glasgow added 20 points in just 20 minutes, hitting 4 of 6 threes at a 66.7% clip. Rodney Johnson Jr. contributed 19 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, despite shooting 38.1% from the field and 16.7% from three-point range.
Western Illinois gave up 68 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 42% from the field, hitting 28 of their 66 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 21/45 shooting for 46%.
From three-point range, Western Illinois’ defense held their opponent to 7/21 shooting, or 33%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 10 times, where they made 8, an 80% clip. Western Illinois allowed 11 offensive rebounds.
Can the Lions Secure a Win at Home?
Lindenwood Lions Recent Game/Games
Lindenwood’s season struggles continued with a 79-73 home loss to Tennessee Tech on Thursday, dropping their record to 2-7. The Lions were -3 point favorites but failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 42-39 at halftime, Lindenwood couldn’t close the gap, scoring 34 points in the 2nd half while allowing 37. The game’s total points of 152 went over the 145.5 O/U line.
Lindenwood’s offense put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 44.9% from the field. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 3 of 18 attempts for a 16.7% rate, while their two-point shooting was much more effective at 54.9%.
Jaylon Johnson led the way with 22 points and 7 assists, shooting 53.8% overall. Reggie Bass also shot 53.8%, contributing 19 points, while Markeith Browning added 17 points despite shooting just 33.3% from the field.
Despite shooting 44% from the field, the opposing team managed to score 79 points against Lindenwood. They were effective inside, hitting 54% of their two-point attempts, going 28/51.
The Lions did well defending the perimeter, holding the other team to just 3/18 from three-point range, a 16% shooting performance. However, they sent the opposing team to the line 16 times, where they made 8 free throws.