The Houston Baptist Huskies (5-7, 1-0 SthLnd) and the New Orleans Privateers (5-7, 0-1 SthLnd), who both like to play fast, will battle at Lakefront Arena. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Houston Baptist Huskies vs. New Orleans Privateers ATS Prediction
The last time the Huskies played, they were dismantled by the Arizona Wildcats, 90-60. One of Arizona’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 36 free throw attempts, while Houston Baptist had 27. Jalon Gates led Houston Baptist in scoring with 15 points on 4-for-11 shooting.
The Privateers won big over the Spring Hill Badgers in their last game, 95-66. The Privateers had a much better free throw rate (0.318 vs. 0.140) and had a much better turnover percentage (18.4 vs. 31.8). Ezekiel Charles was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field.
There could be a fair amount of transition action in this matchup that showcases a pair of the NCAA’s more up-and-down teams. New Orleans ranks 46th in possessions per game (74.0) and Houston Baptist is 18th (76.2). Additionally, the Huskies could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank 36th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 35.3 percent. The Privateers, meanwhile, rank 314th at grabbing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 66.5 percent.
After the Privateers won the sole contest against the Huskies last season, 64-57, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. New Orleans’ free throw rate was their largest strength over Houston Baptist. The Privateers had a rate of 0.264, while the Huskies posted a mark of 0.138.
Houston Baptist Huskies vs. New Orleans Privateers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – New Orleans, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
New Orleans ranks 21st in assists per game (16.8) while Houston Baptist ranks 187th in assists allowed per game (14.8).
The Huskies average 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 58th in the nation. The Privateers rank 174th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
Houston Baptist ranks 101st in rebounds per game (37.3) while New Orleans ranks 185th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
The Huskies rank 186th in three pointers attempted per game (21.0) while the Privateers rank 262nd (16.6).
New Orleans ranks 64th in blocks per game (4.0) while Houston Baptist ranks 130th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Huskies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 13.2, up from 1.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Privateers have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (8.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
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