The Texas State Bobcats (8-1) meet the Houston Baptist Huskies (2-4) at Strahan Coliseum. The game begins at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
Houston Baptist Huskies at Texas State Bobcats Free Prediction
In the Huskies’ last outing, they were blown out by the Arizona Wildcats, 90-60. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Arizona’s biggest advantages. They had 36 free throw attempts, while Houston Baptist had 27. Jalon Gates was Houston Baptist’s high scorer with 15 points on 4-for-11 shooting.
The Bobcats beat the Air Force Falcons in their last game, 67-57. Texas State’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Air Force. The Bobcats had a rate of 14.5, while the Falcons posted a mark of 24.4. Nijal Pearson was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field.
The Huskies won the sole game against the Bobcats last season, 71-52. Houston Baptist’s 0.588 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Texas State, who had a rate of 0.322.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Texas State figures to have a considerable advantage. Since last season, the Bobcats defense ranks eighth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.492), while the Houston Baptist offense ranks 321st in effective field goal percentage (0.471). This game should be a showdown of conflicting tempos. The quick-paced Huskies rank 19th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Bobcats rank 272nd.
Houston Baptist vs. Texas State Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Texas State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Texas State averages 14.4 assists per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. Houston Baptist ranks 277th in assists allowed per game (16.2).
The Bobcats rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while the Huskies rank 273rd (38.5).
Texas State averages 5.7 steals per game, which ranks 92nd in the NCAA. Houston Baptist ranks 166th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
The Bobcats rank 188th in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while the Huskies rank 234th (5.2).
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