The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles and the Western Illinois Leathernecks meet Saturday in college basketball action from Western Hall. Oral Roberts is coming off a Thursday game versus St. Thomas MN. In that one the Eagles posted a seven-point victory. As for Western Illinois, they played UMKC in their Thursday matchup. The Leathernecks ended up losing by 12 points. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
Oral Roberts got off to a decent start this year with a 13-4 record over their first 17 games. The Eagles hit a win streak over Western Illinois, St. Thomas MN, ND State, North Dakota, Denver, Omaha, South Dakota and UMKC in the next eight games.
In the Thursday rematch versus St. Thomas MN, the Eagles managed 45 points in the first half and 50 more after the break for a 95-88 victory. Max Abmas was the top team scorer with 27 points and seven rebounds. Carlos Jurgens added 20 points as well.
Western Illinois Leathernecks
Over on the Western Illinois side, they were a sketchy 9-8 over their first 17 outings of the year. The Leathernecks went 6-1 over the next seven however, beating UMKC, St. Thomas MN, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Dakota State and Omaha in that time.
Matched up against UMKC on Thursday, the Leathernecks held a slim 30-29 edge going into the second half. Western Illinois was outscored 47-34 from there and lost 76-64, though. Trenton Massner led the team in scoring with 15 points and five assists.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ve got to stick with Oral Roberts here. The Golden Eagles are on a great run right now. They’ve won nine straight games, scoring 73 or more points in each of those outings and 81 or more in eight of them. The last time these teams met up back on January 12, Oral Roberts posted an 87-63 win at Mabee Center. The Leathernecks are 5-1 in their last six home games so this one will likely be more competitive. That said I still like Oral Roberts to power out the cover.