Ball State Cardinals vs SE Missouri State Redhawks Point Spread Picks

The program at SE Missouri State was among the worst in the country a few short years ago, as they would be lucky to find the win column five times in a given season. The progression has been fast and steady as they won three games five years ago, seven games four years ago, 10 games three years ago, 15 games two years ago, and 17 last year. Their first winning season in recent memory. They are off to a 2-1 start and have a chance to improve once again. Ball State has lost their leading scorer from a year ago, as well as their assist leader, and is going to have trouble in the early going. Once a doormat on the road, SE Missouri State is a quiet 6-1 ATS in their last seven on the road, while Ball State has not been protecting their home court where they are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26. Play on SE Missouri State.

Southeast Missouri State lived at the bottom of the OVC standings for several years. They finally have a team that has played .500 basketball thus far on the season, entering at 14-14. It did, however, take a lot of soft scheduling to get there, and they are just 4-8 in their last 12 games against average competition. Ball State at 10-14 isn't far behind, but on a night-in night-out basis they are facing better teams in the MAC. They should fare well in this contest, as they are 4-1 ATS in their last five outside the MAC. They have also done well on the road at 7-2 ATS in their last nine. The Redhawks are not looking so sweet outside the OVC where they are 1-4 ATS in their last five. Go with Ball State in this one.