The Western Michigan Broncos (4-10, 0-1 MAC) battle the Toledo Rockets (9-5, 0-1) Friday. Tip from Savage Arena in Toledo is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (CBSSN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Michigan vs. Toledo odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Western Michigan lost to Kent State 80-72 Tuesday, covering as a 17.5-point road underdog. The Broncos are still just 4-7 against the spread (ATS) on the season, but have covered 3 games (those with a spread) in a row. The Broncos are 0-7 straight up on the road. They’re averaging 68.6 points per game, good for 265th in the nation.
The Rockets lost to Ball State 90-83 Tuesday as an 8.5-point favorite. Toledo is 6-6 ATS on the season and 11-1 O/U. It is 5-1 straight up at home. The Rockets have covered just 2 of their last 6 games that had a spread. They rank 8th in the nation in points per game (84.9) and are led by G Rayj Davis, who is averaging 19.2 per game.
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Western Michigan at Toledo odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:27 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Toledo -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +15.5 (-110) | Toledo -15.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Western Michigan at Toledo picks and predictions
Prediction
Toledo 85, Western Michigan 74
Moneyline
PASS.
There is no sense in betting a (-2000) home favorite in a conference battle. Similarly, the Broncos are 0-7 on the road, so backing the (+850) also isn’t wise.
Against the spread
LEAN WESTERN MICHIGAN +15.5 (-110).
The Rockets have been disappointing for bettors as of late and have some real issues defensively. They rank 324th in opponents’ FG percentage (46.1%) and 354th in opponents’ 3-point FG percentage (38.8%). In the 2nd half against Ball State, the Cardinals dropped 50 on Toledo.
The Rockets are 1-3 ATS in their last 4 home games. While Western Michigan isn’t much better at defense, it has been rewarding bettors as of late just by keeping games close. The Broncos have covered 3 straight double-digit spreads.
Considering the Rockets’ defense should keep this within the spread and the Broncos have been playing well enough back, play WESTERN MICHIGAN +15.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 155.5 (-115).
There is little reason to think this game will not be par the course for the Rockets’ season. They rank 8th in points per game (84.9) and 353rd in opponents’ points per game (80.2). They are 11-1 O/U on the season and have scored at least 83 in 4 straight games.
Western Michigan has also scored at least 65 in 2 straight games and is averaging 68.6 on the season. The Broncos have gone Over in 3 straight games that featured a total. Their defense is porous and should get abused by Toledo while their offensive efficiency (ranking 183rd in FG percentage) is a relative strength.
Ultimately, considering the pace this game should be played, back the OVER 155.5 (-115).
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