It will be a battle between NEC opponents when the Sacred Heart Pioneers (5-9, 1-0 NEC) welcome the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (6-8, 0-1 NEC) to the William Pitt Center – West Gym. The game begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers Free Prediction
In the Blue Devils’ last game, they topped the Hartford Hawks, 75-68. The Blue Devils had a better free throw rate (0.246 vs. 0.193) and had a better turnover percentage (16.7 vs. 20.8). With 30 points on 11-for-23 shooting, Tyler Kohl was the top scorer from either team.
The Pioneers lost to the Holy Cross Crusaders in their last contest, 93-81. Holy Cross’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Sacred Heart. The Crusaders had a rate of 11.3, while the Pioneers posted a mark of 27.1. Sacred Heart’s Koreem Ozier put up 23 points in the contest.
After the Pioneers won both meetings against the Blue Devils last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Sacred Heart won 67-50. The Pioneers had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.509 vs. 0.358) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 25.7).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Kohl (0 points) has been fantastic for the Blue Devils while Sean Hoehn (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Pioneers.
It will be a battle of contrasting tempos as the fast-paced Pioneers (ranked 23rd in the nation in possessions per game) will look to push the more half-court-oriented Blue Devils (171st in possessions per game).
Central Connecticut State vs. Sacred Heart Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Central Connecticut State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Sacred Heart ranks 43rd in rebounds per game (39.5) while Central Connecticut State ranks 205th (34.1).
The Pioneers average 15.7 assists per game, which ranks 53rd in the country. The Blue Devils rank 200th in assists allowed per game (15.4).
Sacred Heart ranks 77th in blocks per game (3.6) while Central Connecticut State ranks 116th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
The Pioneers average 21.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 175th in the nation. The Blue Devils rank 213th in three pointers allowed per game (25.3).
Central Connecticut State ranks 129th in steals per game (6.0) while Sacred Heart ranks 148th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Blue Devils have outscored opponents by an average of 4.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Central Connecticut State has lost by an average of 4.1 points.
During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 88.2 points per game (6.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 83.8 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
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