The Abilene Christian Wildcats (12-3, 1-1 SthLnd) put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they go head-to-head with the McNeese State Cowboys (5-10, 1-1 SthLnd) at H&HP Complex. The game begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Abilene Christian Wildcats at McNeese State Cowboys Betting Prediction
The Wildcats come in on a high note after blowing out the Arlington Baptist Patriots in their last matchup, 107-54. The Wildcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (50.0 vs. 20.6) and had a much better turnover percentage (12.8 vs. 27.9). Abilene Christian received a boost from Jaren Lewis, who was the top scorer from either team with 18 points on 8-for-9 shooting.
In the Cowboys’ previous matchup, they were blown out by the Saint Mary’s Gaels, 87-65. Saint Mary’s’ 7.1 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over McNeese State, who had a mark of 16.8. McNeese State’s Malik Hines had a good game, leading both teams in scoring with 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting.
After the Wildcats won the sole game against the Cowboys last season, 79-74, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Abilene Christian’s 0.283 free throw rate was their largest strength over McNeese State, who had a mark of 0.207.
Lewis has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Abilene Christian.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. McNeese State ranks 280th in possessions per game (68.0) and Abilene Christian is 318th (66.8). Moreover, the Wildcats’ 38th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 114.1) will attempt to take advantage of the Cowboys’ 290th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 107.3).
Abilene Christian Wildcats at McNeese State Cowboys ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Abilene Christian, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Abilene Christian ranks 13th in steals per game (9.4) while McNeese State ranks 207th (4.3).
The Wildcats rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (16.6) while the Cowboys rank 184th (24.3).
Abilene Christian ranks 12th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while McNeese State ranks 178th (14.5).
The Cowboys rank 124th in rebounds per game (36.6) while the Wildcats rank 242nd (33.0).
Abilene Christian is 17th in the NCAA with 2.2 blocks allowed per game while McNeese State is 54th with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.6, up from 14.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cowboys have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (3.8 below their season average).
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