Indiana State Sycamores (15-3) vs. Murray State Racers (8-10)
Indiana State Sycamores vs. Murray State Racers 1/21/24 – As the NCAA basketball season heats up, fans and bettors alike are turning their attention to an intriguing NCAAB matchup picks this weekend: the clash between the high-flying Indiana State Sycamores and the struggling Murray State Racers. Set for Sunday, this game is not just a test of skill and strategy but also a battlefield for dominance in the NCAA standings.
The Sycamores have been impressive this season. Averaging 86.5 points per game and boasting an incredible field goal percentage of 51.3% from beyond the arc (that makes them one of the top scoring teams in NCAA), their offensive firepower stands out as being amongst one of the strongest units. Their defense has proven just as formidable with 6.7 steals per game and 1.8 blocks; not to mention 17.4 assists per game!
Murray State Racers have had an equally difficult season. Averaging 72.6 points per game, their offense has not been as prolific; shooting 44.6% from the field and 31.9% from three-point range respectively; though respectable figures. Their rebounding, however, excels, with 34.4 averaged per game while their defense boasts solid play averaging an impressive average of 6.2 steals and 2.9 blocks per game – showing they too offer solid competition in their conference.
Indiana State Sycamores vs. Murray State Racers 1/21/24 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET |
| Where: | CFSB Center |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Isaiah Swope (Guard) vs. Rob Perry (Guard)
Isaiah Swope has been phenomenal for the Sycamores, averaging 18.4 points while shooting efficiently from all over (48.2% FG, 43.9% 3PT). He stuffs the stat sheet beyond just scoring and will look to attack Murray State’s defense off the dribble and with his jumper. His ability to create his own shot late in games gives Indiana State a go-to option.
Rob Perry has battled inconsistency this year but remains Murray State’s top offensive weapon at 13.3 points per contest. Though undersized, he contributes solid rebounding numbers from the guard spot as well. He is prone to cold shooting stretches and will need to knock down perimeter looks to keep the Racers in this game.
In this matchup of top guards, Swope appears to have the edge based on his scoring prowess and versatility. If Perry can make shots from deep it would go a long way towards an upset, but Swope’s ability to isolate and hit tough shots makes him difficult to slow down.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are still to be determined, but based on the teams’ records and performances, it’s likely that Indiana State will be the favorites. However, Murray State’s home court advantage and desperation for a win could make this a closer game than the odds suggest.
Indiana State Sycamores Betting Trends
The Indiana State Sycamores have been a profitable team to back lately, going 4-1 straight up in their last 5 games. Against the spread, they are 3-2 over that same sample. On the road this season, the Sycamores hold a .500 record ATS at 4-4. Looking at the totals, 2 of Indiana State’s previous 5 games have gone OVER the posted total, while 5 of their last 9 road games have finished above the projected point mark set by oddsmakers.
Murray State Racers Betting Trends
Much like their opponents, the Murray State Racers enter this contest in good recent form, winners of 4 of their past 5 games straight up. Bettors who wagered on them against the spread during that stretch were also rewarded, as Murray State covered in 4 of those 5 contests. The Racers have been slightly less reliable for ATS backers on the road though, going just 4-3 versus the number away from home. Checking the totals, only 1 of Murray State’s last 5 overall stayed below the posted total, while a high 6 of their last 10 home games exceeded the projected point total at tip-off.
Indiana State Sycamores vs. Murray State Racers 1/21/24 Betting Picks
Considering the statistics and recent trends, the Sycamores seem to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their offensive prowess and solid defense make them a tough team to beat. However, Murray State’s home advantage and recent improvement against the spread cannot be ignored.
For bettors, the Sycamores seem like the safer pick, especially if they can maintain their offensive efficiency. Prop bets on individual performances, especially Swope’s scoring, could be lucrative. The over/under will depend on the set total, but given Indiana State’s scoring ability and Murray State’s recent trend of lower-scoring games, it might be a close call.
Premium experts picks would likely lean towards Indiana State, given their overall season performance and current form.
Free Pick and Prediction: Indiana State Sycamores 78, Murray State Racers 71