MTSU vs. Boston University Prediction and Odds (Back Blue Raiders to Match up Well vs. Terriers)

The quarterfinals of the CBI Tournament tonight pits the Boston University Terriers up against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. The action goes down in Daytona Beach Florida with each team coming off close wins in the previous round. 

The Blue Rebels took out the Cal Baptist teams 64-58 while the Terriers eked past NC-Greensboro 71-68. These teams match up quite well and I think this could be one of the better games of the day out of the NIT, NCAA or CBI tournament.

Here are the odds for this semifinal matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

MTSU vs. Boston University Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• MTSU -4.5 (-110)
• Boston University +4.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• MTSU -210
• Boston University +170

Total: 139.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

MTSU vs. Boston University Prediction and Pick

These teams really do match up quite well. Both MTSU and Boston University have almost exactly the same defensive scoring numbers at 67.6 and 67.8 points per game respectively. On offense MTSU does have a slight edge with an average of 72.7 point per game compared to 70.9 PPG for the Terriers. 

The similarities don’t stop there. In fact, the Terriers and Blue Raider are neck and neck in terms of stats on both offense and defense nearly across the board. 

So we need to look a little closer at some of the metrics that don’t always stand out to people. In these tight games I like to consider free throw shooting, rebounding, steals and penalties. When we focus on these smaller metrics, a clear favorite emerges. The Blue Raiders shoot 76.4 percent from the charity stripe which ranks them an impressive 31st in the country. BU is a decent team from the line but ranks outside of the top 70 in percentage. The Blue Raiders also have an edge in, blocks, turnovers, fouls and offensive rebounding percentage.

I think in a game with a spread this tight these are the types of things that lead to an ATS win. 

Pick: MTSU -4.5 (-110)

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