Eastern Illinois vs Western Illinois Prediction College Basketball Picks 2/29/24
Western Illinois (18-11) vs Eastern Illinois (14-16)
Game Info: Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 8:30 pm (Western Hall)
Betting Odds: Western Illinois -6.5 -- Over/Under: 133.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
The Eastern Illinois Panthers will play the Western Illinois Leathernecks in an OVC game on Thursday night at LeRoy A. Ufkes Court in Macomb, Illinois. Eastern Illinois has lost two of their last three games, while Western Illinois has won three of their last four. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Eastern Illinois vs Western Illinois prediction.
Eastern Illinois Preview
The Eastern Illinois Panthers are 14-16 (8-9) this year after they defeated SIUE by a score of 84-79 in their last game. Eastern Illinois led 39-34 at the half and scored 45 points in the second half in the win. The Panthers shot 44.8% from the field and were -12 in rebounding margin in the game. Eastern Illinois lost to Tennessee Tech by a score of 75-67 and Tennessee State by a score of 78-73 in the two games prior to SIUE. The Panthers are scoring 70.1 points per game with 35.4 rebounds per game and 13.1 assists per game, while allowing 68.6 points against per game this year. Tiger Booker is averaging 16.2 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, and 3.2 assists per game. EIU is shooting 42.3% from the field, 73.4% on free throws, and 31.4% on three pointers this season.
Western Illinois Preview
The Western Illinois Leathernecks are 18-11 (11-5) this season after they defeated Southern Indiana by a score of 82-76 in their last game. Western Illinois led 39-33 at halftime and they scored 43 second half points in the win. The Leathernecks shot 45% from the field were +22 in rebounding margin in the game. Western Illinois lost to Morehead State by a score of 78-57 in the game prior to Southern Indiana, but did win the two games before that. The Leathernecks are scoring 69.2 points per game with 41.7 rebounds per game and 12.9 assists per game, while giving up 65.3 points against per game this season. Ryan Myers is averaging 13.1 points per game, 2.2 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game. Western Illinois is shooting 43.2% from the field, 62.1% on free throws, and 32.5% on three pointers this year.
Eastern Illinois vs Western Illinois Betting Prediction
Western Illinois comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games and they are only one game back in the race for the OVC. The Leathernecks will be at home and they are only allowing 65.3 points against per game this year. Neither team shoots the ball very well, but Western Illinois is the better defensive and rebounding team. Western Illinois won the first meeting between these teams by a score of 63-60 and I like them to win and cover at home here.
David’s Pick Western Illinois -6.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
