Western Michigan vs Ball State Prediction 1/28/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Western Michigan vs Ball State Prediction for this college basketball game on Tuesday,  January 28th, at the Worthen Arena. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Broncos’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Cardinals’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Ball State

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Western Michigan

-Recent betting trends in games played between Western Michigan and Ball State

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Broncos and Cardinals. 

How Can Ball State Bounce Back?

Ball State in the last game faced off against NIU and they didn’t play well enough. Ball State scored 66 points while the defense gave up 76 points and that led to the defeat. At halftime, they were down 40-29 and they didn’t fight back. Ethan Brittian Watts put up 16 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Two games ago against Central Michigan, Ball State scored 82 points and they ended up winning by two points. 

Ball State comes into this game with a 9-10 record overall and they have gone 7-9 against the spread. Ball State is averaging 75.7 points while their defense is giving up 73.5 points per game. The offense is ranked 156th in the league while the defense is ranked 243rd. They are averaging 18.2 free throws per game which is 10th best in the league. Jermahri Hill is averaging 16.1 points while shooting 44.8 percent from the field. 

Why Ball State Will Beat Western Michigan

• Western Michigan has lost five of its last six games at John E. Worthen Arena.
• Ball State has won four of its last five home games against Western Michigan.
• Western Michigan has lost the first half in four of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Western Michigan Looked Bad

Western Michigan in the last game looked awful and they scored only 52 points against Central Michigan on the way to the defeat. At halftime, they were down 34-23 and it got even worse in the second half. Markhi Strickland had a huge game putting up 14 points and six rebounds. Owen Lobsinger had a strong game putting up 10 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. Two games ago against Northern Illinois, they were able to secure a 72-70  victory. 

Western Michigan comes into this game with a 5-14 record and they have gone 6-11-1 against the spread. The over has hit in nine of their 18 games so far this season. Western Michigan is averaging 71.5 points while their defense is giving up 76.3 points per game. The offense is ranked 256th while the defense is ranked 302nd. Markhi Strickland has been the top player for Western Michigan averaging 11.7 points while shooting 43 percent from the field and 25 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Western Michigan vs Ball State Prediction 

Both of these teams have struggled this season, but Ball State is still better than Western Michigan. Ball State’s offense has been strong all season averaging 75.7 points per game and they are going to have no issue running up the score here. Western Michigan’s offense is fine, but they aren’t elite and that is going to really let them down here. Back Ball State to win this game and cover the spread.