Ball State vs Eastern Michigan Prediction – College Basketball Picks 1/16/24

The Ball State Cardinals and the Eastern Michigan Eagles meet Tuesday in college basketball action from EMU Convocation Center. Ball State is riding a six-game losing streak at 8-8 overall, most recently falling to Toledo. As for Eastern Michigan, they fell to Miami-OH on Saturday for a .500 run through 16 games as well. Let’s get into our Ball State vs. Eastern Michigan prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Pick Dawgz.

Ball State Cardinals

The Cardinals’ year began on a nice 8-2 run. The only losses in that time came versus Evansville and Little Rock. It’s been a six-game losing streak since then however, as Ball State has fallen to Indiana State, Minnesota, Kent State, Central Michigan, Akron and Toledo.

On Saturday versus Toledo, the Cardinals faced a 40-33 deficit in the locker room. Ball State got a little better in the second half with a 39-37 edge but still fell 77-72. Jalin Anderson was the team’s leading scorer in the losing effort with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Eastern Michigan Eagles

Over on the Eagles’ side, they didn’t start out too badly themselves at 5-3 overall with losses to Butler, Florida Atlantic and North Dakota. It’s been a 3-5 stretch since then though, as Eastern Michigan has dropped to Oakland, Michigan, Bowling Green, Central Michigan and Miami-OH.

Matched up against the RedHawks in their last game, the Eagles went into the second half trailing 33-28. Eastern Michigan didn’t end up getting closer on a 38-26 run from there in a 71-54 loss. Tyson Acuff topped the team on his 19 points and one rebound, while Julius Ellerbe added 11 points and eight boards.

ANDREW’S FREE BALL STATE VS EASTERN MICHIGAN PREDICTION

I’m staying with Ball State. Both teams could use a good showing here though, as both are struggling right now. The Cardinals at least shot well in the Toledo defeat, hitting 50.9 percent from the field and 10 of 11 from the line. Ball State was outmuscled on the boards 33-29 however. The good news is that the Cardinals have hit 67 or more points in seven of their last nine outings.

As for Eastern Michigan, they’ve been outscored 151-118 over their last two games and could really use a lift on both sides of the ball. I like this one to be fairly competitive overall, but I think Ball State can power out the cover/win if they play well.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Ball State Cardinals +1