The Samford Bulldogs (11-5, 1-2 SoCon) will attempt to continue their five-game winning streak against the Western Carolina Catamounts (3-13, 0-3 SoCon) at Ramsey Center. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Samford Bulldogs vs. Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Prediction
The last time the Bulldogs played, they defeated the North Alabama Lions, 91-74. Samford’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over North Alabama. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.664, while the Lions posted a mark of 0.431. Samford rallied around Ruben Guerrero, who contributed 17 points and six rebounds.
The Catamounts got blown out by the Wright State Raiders in their last matchup, 96-73. One of Wright State’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 28 trips to the line, while Western Carolina went 20 times. Western Carolina’s D.J. Myers had 11 points and six rebounds in the game.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Catamounts won the most recent contest 88-71. The Catamounts had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.2 vs. 11.9) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.569 vs. 0.446).
Guerrero has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Samford.
Western Carolina might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. Samford currently ranks 95th in defensive efficiency while the Catamounts rank 323rd in offensive efficiency.
Samford Bulldogs vs. Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Samford, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Western Carolina ranks 88th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while Samford ranks 231st (19.6).
The Bulldogs rank 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Catamounts rank 144th (4.6).
Samford averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 75th in the nation. Western Carolina ranks 178th in steals allowed per game (8.9).
The Catamounts average 35.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 156th in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 178th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 7.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (4.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.0 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
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