Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Central Arkansas vs Western Illinois NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Macomb.
Central Arkansas vs Western Illinois Prediction
The Bears and Leathernecks are set to face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Leathernecks will host the game at Western Hall in Macomb, IL. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 142.5 points, and Western Illinois is favored by -7.5 at home against Central Arkansas.
Central Arkansas vs. Western Illinois Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: Central Arkansas Bears at Western Illinois Leathernecks
- Where: Macomb at Western Hall
- Date: Saturday, November 16th
- Betting Odds WILL -7.5, CARK +230 | WILL -285 O/U 142.5
Bears Preview: Will the Bears Come Through as Road Underdogs?
Central Arkansas Bears Recent Game/Games
The Bears faced a tough challenge on Thursday, November 7th, as they traveled to take on the Utah Runnin' Utes. Central Arkansas entered the game as +30 point underdogs and fell short, losing 98-63. The total points for the game reached 161, surpassing the over/under line of 149.
Central Arkansas struggled early, trailing 45-18 at halftime. While they managed to score 45 points in the 2nd half, they also allowed 53 points, failing to cover the spread.
Bears Offense Breakdown
Central Arkansas struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 31.3% from the field and 27.5% from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 40 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 38.8%, and they managed 10 offensive rebounds and 14 assists as a team.
Gabe Madsen led the Bears with 25 points, shooting 56.2% overall and 46.2% from three-point range, hitting 6 of 13 from deep. Layne Taylor and Mason Madsen each added 15 points, with Mason connecting on 5 of 12 threes at 41.7%.
Bears Team Defense
Central Arkansas gave up 98 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 46% from the field on 30 of 65 attempts. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 23 times, where they converted 19 of those for 82%.
From beyond the arc, Central Arkansas allowed 19 threes on 50 attempts, a 38% shooting clip. They also gave up 12 offensive rebounds.
Leathernecks Preview: Will Western Illinois Win at Home?
Western Illinois Leathernecks Recent Game/Games
The Leathernecks dropped their latest game, losing 87-73 at home to Green Bay on Wednesday. Western Illinois went into the game as -2.5 point favorites but failed to cover the spread.
Western Illinois found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 47-26 at halftime. They put up a fight in the 2nd half, scoring 47 points and allowing 40, but it wasn’t enough. The game’s total points hit 160, surpassing the O/U line of 143.5.
Leathernecks Offense Breakdown
Western Illinois put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 43.1% from the field and 52.6% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 19 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 50.8%, but they struggled from the free-throw line, connecting on just 7 of 18 attempts (38.9%).
Anthony Roy led the way with 35 points, hitting 8 of 12 threes and shooting 73.3% overall. Ryan Myers added 26 points, making 5 of 6 from deep and shooting 64.3% from the field. The Leathernecks managed just 2 assists as a team, but grabbed 17 offensive rebounds.
Leathernecks Team Defense
Western Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 87 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 43% from the field. They did manage to hold them to 39% shooting on two-point attempts, with the other team making 18 of 46 shots.
The Leathernecks had trouble defending the perimeter, as their opponent hit 10 of 19 three-pointers, good for 52%. They also sent the other team to the line 18 times, where they made 7 free throws. Western Illinois gave up 17 offensive rebounds in the game.
Bears vs Leathernecks Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- In their last ten games away from home, the Bears have a straight up record of 3-7 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 72 points per game in these contests.
- Across their last five home contests, Western Illinois has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 3-2, while averaging 62 points per game.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Bears have a straight up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-2.
- Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Leathernecks have an overall record of 4-1 while going 1-4 against the spread.
Central Arkansas vs Western Illinois Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: Central Arkansas +7.5 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.