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Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Preview
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish host the Eastern Illinois Panthers on Tuesday night at Purcell Pavilion, looking to extend their dominant start to the season. Notre Dame has outscored opponents by 54 points through two games, while Eastern Illinois enters with a 1-1 record and a defense-first identity. Markus Burton leads a balanced Irish attack, while Zion Foster powers the Panthers’ offense.
Line Movement and Odds
- Notre Dame Spread: -25.5 (-112)
- Eastern Illinois Spread: +25.5 (-114)
- Notre Dame MoneyLine: -10000
- Eastern Illinois MoneyLine: +2400
- Total: 145.5
Notre Dame opened as a heavy favorite, reflecting their scoring margin and shooting efficiency. The total sits at 145.5, with the under slightly favored. See full college basketball picks for market movement.
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Matchup Breakdown
Eastern Illinois Panthers Outlook
EIU is 1-1 and coming off a 65-57 win over Nicholls. Zion Foster leads the team with 18.5 PPG, while Terry McMorris adds 10 points and 11 rebounds per game. The Panthers shoot just 37.8% from the field but excel at the line (78.3%) and on the boards (42.0 RPG). They’ve covered the spread in both games and held Nicholls to 29.5% shooting, including just 15.4% from deep. Their physicality and rebounding could help them stay competitive.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Outlook
Notre Dame is 2-0 and averaging 95.5 points per game. Markus Burton leads with 18.5 PPG, and the Irish have nine players in double figures across two games. They shoot 50.8% from the field and 47.5% from three, with an effective FG% of 62.1. The Irish posted 19 assists in their 102-70 win over Detroit Mercy and have held opponents to 40.2% shooting. Coach Micah Shrewsberry’s “plug and play” system has produced early-season chemistry and depth.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
Eastern Illinois must control the glass and limit Notre Dame’s transition game. If Foster and McMorris can generate offense and draw fouls, EIU can slow the pace. Notre Dame will look to push tempo, share the ball, and exploit perimeter mismatches. Their depth and shooting give them multiple scoring options.
Injuries / Availability
No major injuries reported for either team.
Environment
The game tips off at Purcell Pavilion, where Notre Dame is 2-0 this season. Eastern Illinois plays its second road game and will need to weather early runs from the Irish. Expect a high-energy crowd and a fast-paced start from the home team.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Notre Dame 87, Eastern Illinois 57
- Best Bet: Notre Dame -25.5
Notre Dame’s scoring depth and shooting efficiency should overwhelm EIU’s limited offense. - Total: Under 145.5
EIU’s scoring struggles and Notre Dame’s defensive control point to a lower total.
Notre Dame should cruise at home, with Burton and Shrewsberry leading a balanced attack. Eastern Illinois may battle on the boards, but the Irish’s tempo and perimeter shooting are likely too much to contain.
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