Ball State (8-8) vs Toledo (9-7)
Game Info: Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm (Worthen Arena)
Betting Odds: Ball State -1.5 -- Over/Under: 154.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
In this article, we will formulate a Toledo vs Ball State prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 18th at Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Toledo Rockets Betting Preview
The Toledo Rockets are 9-7 (3-1) this year after they lost to Akron by a score of 85-78 in their last game. Toledo led 42-30 at halftime, but they allowed 55 points in the second half in the loss. The Rockets shot 37.5% from the field, 27.8% on three-pointers, and 80.6% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Adams led Toledo with 17 points and four rebounds, while Sam Lewis added 14 points and four rebounds in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Rockets defeated Central Michigan by a score of 69-67 and Eastern Michigan by a score of 90-87. Toledo has won three of their last four games, but they did lose the three games before that. Toledo has scored 77.4 points per game and they have allowed 77.7 points per game, while also averaging 34.6 rebounds and 13.9 assists per game this season. Sonny Wilson is averaging 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while Sam Lewis is averaging 14.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game this season. Toledo is shooting 45.7% from the field, 71.5% on free throws, and 32.5% on three-pointers this year.
Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview
The Ball State Cardinals are 8-8 (2-2) this season after they lost to Ohio by a score of 86-71 in their last game. Ball State trailed 45-35 at halftime and allowed another 41 points in the second half in the loss. The Cardinals shot 42.9% from the field, 50% on three-pointers, and 68.4% on free throws in the game. Mickey Pearson Jr. led Ball State with 19 points and six rebounds, while Jermahri Hill added 14 points and three assists in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Cardinals defeated Bowling Green by a score of 91-69 but did lose to Miami (OH) by a score of 80-72 before that. Ball State has won five of their last seven games, with their other conference win coming against Kent State by a score of 75-67. Ball State has scored 75.9 points per game and they have allowed 71.8 points per game, while also averaging 36.4 rebounds and 13.1 assists per game this year. Jermahri Hill is averaging 16.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, while Mickey Pearson Jr. is averaging 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this year. Ball State is shooting 45.6% from the field, 70.2% on free throws, and 34.8% on three-pointers this season.
Why Ball State will beat Toledo
- Ball State has won each of its last five day games.
- Toledo has lost six of its last eight games at John E. Worthen Arena.
Toledo vs Ball State Prediction
Toledo comes into this contest after playing a very bad second half against Akron last time out, but they are still 3-1 to start conference play. The Rockets have won three of their last four games, which includes a road win against Western Michigan. Toledo is shooting 45.7% from the field, but they are allowing 77.7 points per game on defense. Ball State has dropped two of their last three games and while they have very similar offensive numbers to Toledo, their defense has been better. This is a game that I could see going either way, but I do think Toledo could come out slow after their second-half collapse earlier in the week. Take Ball State at home in this game.
David’s Pick Ball State ML
AUTHOR: David Racey
