Lindenwood Lions vs Western Illinois Leathernecks Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Western Illinois vs Lindenwood NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Saint Charles.

Western Illinois vs Lindenwood Prediction

Looking to win big? The Leathernecks and Lions face off at 4:30 ET on ESPN+. The Lions are hosting the game at Hyland Arena in Saint Charles, MO. The over/under for this game is set at 136.5 points, and Lindenwood is favored by -3.5 vs. Western Illinois in a Ohio Valley conference matchup.

Western Illinois vs. Lindenwood Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Western Illinois Leathernecks at Lindenwood Lions
Where: Saint Charles at Hyland Arena
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Betting Odds JAC -3.5, WILL +145 | JAC -175 O/U 136.5

Leathernecks Preview: Will the Leathernecks Win on the Road?

Western Illinois improved to 4-5 on the season with a 71-68 win over Tennessee Tech on Tuesday. Playing at home, the Leathernecks were -2.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

After trailing 31-31 at halftime, Western Illinois scored 40 points in the 2nd half while holding Tennessee Tech to 37. The combined points of 139 fell just under the O/U line of 139.5.

Leathernecks Offense Breakdown

Western Illinois put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 42.4% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.5%, and they hit 80% of their free throws, going 8-for-10 from the line. The Leathernecks also grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and dished out 9 assists.

Ryan Myers led the way with 21 points, shooting 53.8% overall, while Ray Glasgow added 20 points in just 20 minutes, hitting 4-of-6 threes. Rodney Johnson Jr. contributed 19 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, despite shooting just 38.1% from the floor and 16.7% from three-point range.

Leathernecks Team Defense

Western Illinois gave up 68 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 42% from the field, with 28 made baskets on 66 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 21 two-point field goals on 45 attempts, a 46% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Western Illinois' defense held their opponent to 7 made threes on 21 attempts, a 33% shooting percentage. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 10 times, where they converted 8 free throws, shooting 80%. Western Illinois allowed 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Lions Preview: Will the Lions Live Up to Expectations at Home?

Lindenwood Lions Recent Game/Games

The Lions dropped to 2-7 on the season after a 79-73 home loss to Tennessee Tech on Thursday, December 19th. Lindenwood entered the game as 3-point favorites but failed to cover the spread.

Trailing 42-39 at halftime, the Lions were outscored 37-34 in the 2nd half. The total points for the game hit 152, surpassing the O/U line of 145.5.

Lions Offense Breakdown

Lindenwood's offense put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 44.9% from the field. Their two-point shooting was solid at 54.9%, but they struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 3 of 18 attempts for 16.7%. At the free-throw line, they connected on only 50% of their shots, going 8 for 16.

Jaylon Johnson led the way with 22 points and 7 assists, shooting 53.8% overall and 33.3% from three. Reggie Bass added 19 points, also shooting 53.8%, while Markeith Browning contributed 17 points despite shooting just 33.3%. Matthew Sells was efficient, hitting 4 of 5 shots, including 4 of 5 from three-point range.

Lions Team Defense

Despite Lindenwood's defensive efforts, they allowed 79 points on 44% shooting from the field. The Lions gave up 54% shooting on two-point attempts, with their opponents making 28 of 51 shots inside the arc.

Lindenwood did manage to limit their opponents from three-point range, holding them to just 3 of 18 shooting (16%). The Lions also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 8 attempts (50%).

Leathernecks vs Lions Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last three road games, Western Illinois has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 62 points per game.
In their last ten games at home, the Lions have a straight up record of 1-9 while going 3-7 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 60 points per game in these contests.
As the betting underdog, the Leathernecks have an ATS mark of just 1-4 in their last five games. Western Illinois posted a straight up mark of 1-4 in these matchups.
The last ten games that Lindenwood was favored, they have an ATS mark of 2-3-1 while going 3-3 straight up.