YTD: 8-7-1 (53.3%)
2011-'12: 34-23
2010-'11: 2-3-1
2009-'10: 14-7
Play: Oakland / Western Illinois Over 126
Two very contrasting styles meet up in Macomb, Illinois tonight. Since Jim Molinari took over WIU back in the 2009 season, the Leathernecks have been ranked no higher than #325 with respect to adjusted tempo in any of his seasons. This year is no different as they come in ranked dead last at 59.3 possessions per game. Some would say that this is not the ideal team and style to back with an Over play.However, digging a little deeper into the history of this series, we see that in the eight games that these teams have played since Molinari took over, not one went under tonight's posted total (although their last meeting went over due to overtime).
Why? Well look no further than an Oakland team that wants to play fast--and more importantly, doesn't play a lick of defense. And just as there has been consistency at WIU with their slow style, the fast pace and (lack of) defense has been indicative of the ten year tenure of Greg Kampe at Oakland. This season is no different as the Grizz are averaging nearly 70 possessions per game and are allowing opponents to shoot 59.8% on 2PA -- 3rd worst in the nation!!
I would expect much of the same tonight and believe the total has been set too low based on the history and familiarity of styles of these two teams
Good luck if you decide to make a play