Southeast Missouri State vs Central Arkansas Picks and Prediction – 11/22/2024

The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, standing at 1-3, travel to face the Central Arkansas Bears, also at 1-3, in a battle of evenly matched teams looking to gain momentum. The Redhawks fell to Chattanooga 87-82 in the last outing, while the Bears narrowly lost 63-61 to Western Illinois. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Southeast Missouri State has shown strong offensive potential, averaging 77.8 points per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Guard Teddy Washington Jr. has been pivotal, leading the team with 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. Complimenting him is Rob Martin, who orchestrates the offense with 4.2 assists per game. However, the defense has been porous, conceding 74.5 points per contest and struggling on the boards, where they average 34.3 rebounds. Improving rim protection, as evidenced by just 1.0 blocks per game, will be crucial.

Defensively, the Redhawks have been vulnerable, particularly in transition. Despite forcing 8.3 steals per game, the interior defense has faltered. They allowed 87 points in the latest defeat, signaling a need to tighten up and contest shots more effectively. The perimeter defense, often leaving shooters open, is another area requiring improvement.

Central Arkansas enters this matchup averaging 70.5 points per game on a modest 39.6% shooting. Layne Taylor leads the offense with 14.8 points per game, supported by Brayden Fagbemi’s balanced play of 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists per contest. The Bears' offensive efficiency has been inconsistent, but the ability to crash the boards with 39.0 rebounds per game provides second-chance opportunities.

Defensively, the Bears have struggled, also allowing 74.5 points per game. Rim protection has been minimal with only 1.5 blocks per game, and the inability to limit opponents' shooting has been evident. Still, the Bears hustle on the glass and perimeter pressure, resulting in 7.3 steals per game, gives them opportunities to disrupt opponents' offenses.

Central Arkansas has the slight edge, with better rebounding and the advantage of playing at home, where they are undefeated this season. Expect Layne Taylor and Brayden Fagbemi to lead a balanced effort. Final Score Prediction: Central Arkansas Bears win 75-70.