Central Michigan vs Valparaiso Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/14/24

The Central Michigan Chippewas and Valparaiso Crusaders meet Saturday in college basketball action at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Here’s a Central Michigan vs Valparaiso Prediction. This article will include a Central Michigan vs Valparaiso Pick.

Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview

The Central Michigan Chippewas beat George Mason, lost to Minnesota, and they play Mississippi State, Arizona, and Ohio next. The Central Michigan Chippewas are averaging 79.8 points on 48.4 percent shooting and allowing 67.5 points on 39.3 percent shooting. Jakobi Heady is averaging 13.1 points and 2.4 assists, while Anthony Pritchard is averaging 12.8 points and 4.1 rebounds. Kyler Vanderjagt is the third double-digit scorer and Ugnius Jarusevicius is grabbing 5.3 rebounds. The Central Michigan Chippewas are shooting 35.1 percent from beyond the arc and 67.3 percent from the free throw line. The Central Michigan Chippewas are allowing 28 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35.5 rebounds per game.

Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Preview

The Valparaiso Crusaders lost to DePaul and Drake, and they play Ohio State, Western Michigan, and Bradley next. The Valparaiso Crusaders are averaging 77 points on 43.1 percent shooting and allowing 69.8 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Tyler Schmidt is averaging 11.9 points and 2.1 rebounds, while Cooper Schwieger is averaging 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds. Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro is the third double-digit scorer and Devon Ellis is grabbing 4.5 rebounds. The Valparaiso Crusaders are shooting 31.9 percent from beyond the arc and 80.5 percent from the free throw line. The Valparaiso Crusaders are allowing 34.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.3 rebounds per game.

Why the Central Michigan Chippewas will win

• Central Michigan has won four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Valparaiso has lost nine of its last 10 Saturday games.
• Valparaiso has lost the first half in six of its last eight day games against non-conference opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• Valparaiso ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (80.5%).
• Valparaiso ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (65.0%).
• Central Michigan ranks 43rd among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (31.1).
• Central Michigan ranks 47th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (39.3%).

Central Michigan vs Valparaiso Prediction

The Valparaiso Crusaders have had issues at times finishing games this season, and I don’t trust them defensively against decent competition. The Central Michigan Chippewas are not only 4-1 ATS on the season, but they’re an above-average squad at both ends of the floor and have flexed their muscle in the underdog role. Central Michigan beat George Mason as a double-digit underdog and nearly beat Minnesota. I’ll grab the free bucket with Central Michigan on the road, a game it could easily win outright.