It will be a battle between A10 opponents when the Saint Louis Billikens (10-4, 1-0 A10) welcome the Massachusetts Minutemen (7-7, 0-1 A10) to Chaifetz Arena. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Massachusetts Minutemen at Saint Louis Billikens Betting Prediction
The Minutemen come in on a high note after beating the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks in their last matchup, 83-75. The Minutemen had a better free throw rate (0.246 vs. 0.186) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.557 vs. 0.443). Massachusetts was led by Carl Pierre, who was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
In the Billikens’ previous game, they were victorious over the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, 75-65. The Billikens had a much better free throw rate (0.352 vs. 0.138) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 17.6). With 18 points and five rebounds, Saint Louis’ Javon Bess had a solid performance.
After the Billikens won the only contest against the Minutemen last season, 66-47, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Saint Louis had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (59.3 vs. 40.0). Massachusetts, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.056 vs. 0.018).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Luwane Pipkins (0 points) has been great for the Minutemen while Bess (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Billikens.
Saint Louis should have an edge on the offensive glass in this battle. The Billikens rank 58th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.1 percent), while Massachusetts ranks 166th in defensive rebounding percentage (72.3 percent).
Massachusetts at Saint Louis Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Saint Louis, ATS Winner – Massachusetts, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Massachusetts ranks 99th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while Saint Louis ranks 255th (17.9).
The Billikens rank 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Minutemen rank 195th (15.0).
Saint Louis ranks 42nd in rebounds per game (39.7) while Massachusetts ranks 181st (35.0).
The Billikens rank 32nd in steals per game (8.4) while the Minutemen rank 165th (5.4).
Saint Louis ranks 29th in blocks per game (4.8) while Massachusetts ranks 115th (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Minutemen’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.2, up from 2.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
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