The Grizzlies will be trying to slam the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Thursday when the teams tip off at Athletics Center in college betting action.

Oakland battles the Leathernecks, currently sitting with a 7-5 mark (5-1 ATS). The OVER/UNDER records, always important for totals bettors, are 7-2 for the Grizzlies and 1-4 for the Leathernecks.



View Western Illinois vs Oakland Odds and Stats.

Betting Line:
The Leathernecks are listed as 6.5-point underdogs at many online sportsbooks.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game puts the Grizzlies, most recently No. 203 in the Odds Shark power rankings, up against the Leathernecks, who rate No. 124 in the latest survey. Meanwhile, math and computer-based handicapping simulations run on this game predict a potential 77-68 victory for the Leathernecks.



How They Match Up:
The game also pits Oakland's No. 31-ranked offense, averaging 77.9 PPG, against a Leathernecks defense that ranks No. 23 at 58.1 PPG. The Grizzlies field goal percentage has averaged 43.4% so far, less than the Leathernecks marksmen have achieved on the year, 46% per game.

Comparing how these foes stack up statistically, Western Illinois owns the country's No. 117-rated mark, allowing 68 points per game on the highway. Oakland, on the other hand, rates No. 28 in scoring at home.

Last time out for Western Illinois, they were a 67-44 Sportsbook as they battled South Dakota at home. They covered in the match as an 8.5-point favorite. The battle between the Leathernecks and Coyotes didn’t turn out to be much of a battle at all as South Dakota was handed a 67-44 defeat on Tuesday at Western Hall.

Oakland lost its last outing, an 89-80 result against Oral Roberts on January 3. They failed to cover in that game as a 2.5-point underdog. Oakland got 28 points from Reggie Hamilton on the way to an 89-80 loss against Oral Roberts on Tuesday at Athletics Center.

Next up:
Western Illinois at IUPU Fort Wayne, Saturday, January 7
Oakland home to IUPUI, Saturday, January 7