Belmont vs. Murray State Prediction and Odds (Back Racers to Remain Undefeated)

The battle of the two best in the Ohio Valley Conference do battle on Thursday night with Murray State hosting Belmont.

The Racers have become the darling of the mid-majors in 2021, posting a 26-2 record with a 16-0 OVC mark. Murray State hasn't lost since December 22nd to Auburn on the road, and also have a win over Belmont away from home by 22 in January. This team is dangerous come March and trending towards a No. 8 seed as of this writing, per Bracket Matrix.

Belmont will look to avenge that double digit loss with a win on the road and are catching a few points in this OVC showdown. Can the Bruins grab a pivotal win that can help their case on Selection Sunday? Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Belmont vs. Murray State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Belmont: +3.5 (-110)
• Murray State: -3.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Belmont: +140
• Murray State: -170

Total: 144.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Belmont vs. Murray State Prediction and Pick

As mentioned on this morning's Bet & Breakfast (which you can find below), I'm backing the Racers to keep their unblemished conference record in tact and take care of the Bruins, who can't match up with Murray State's athleticism on the perimeter.

Belmont may have the reputation of being a devastating three-point team, but that has not been the case this season, more reliant on finishing around the rim (second best two-point percentage in all of college basketball this season) but the Racers are great at limiting interior opportunities for their opponents. The Bruins are shooting a pedestrian 33% from the perimeter this season and will struggle to get clean looks against Murray State's ball pressure defense.

While the Racers likely won't shoot 14-of-29 from beyond the arc again like they did in the blowout win at Belmont earlier this season, they are the 10th best offensive rebounding team in the country and can attack Belmont in transition.

I make Murray State about a 4.5-point favorite in this one and believe they are in line to beat an overvalued Belmont team that has struggled against the class of the OVC this season.

PICK: Murray State -3.5

You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!