The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (10-6, 1-1 BigSou) will attempt to extend their six-game home winning streak in a matchup against the USC Upstate Spartans (5-12, 0-3 BigSou) at Paul Porter Arena. The game begins at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
USC Upstate Spartans vs. Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Free Prediction
In the Spartans’ last outing, they were beaten by the Radford Highlanders, 79-72. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Radford’s largest advantages. They made 25 trips to the line, while USC Upstate went 16 times. Malik Moore was USC Upstate’s leading scorer with 13 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs were beaten by the Campbell Fighting Camels in their last outing, 72-61. Campbell’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Gardner-Webb. The Fighting Camels had a rate of 8.0 (better than their season average of 15.6), while the Runnin’ Bulldogs posted a mark of 18.7 (above their season average of 14.8). Gardner-Webb’s DJ Laster contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds in the game.
Gardner-Webb should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Runnin’ Bulldogs currently rank 30th in offensive efficiency, while the Spartans rank 216th in defensive efficiency.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Eric Jamison put up 16 points and 11 rebounds and the Runnin’ Bulldogs beat the Spartans 74-61. The Runnin’ Bulldogs had a much better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 19.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.246 vs. 0.193).
USC Upstate Spartans vs. Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs ATS Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Gardner-Webb, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
USC Upstate ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while Gardner-Webb ranks 237th (26.6).
The Runnin’ Bulldogs rank 98th in rebounds per game (37.1) while the Spartans rank 207th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
Gardner-Webb averages 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 36th in the NCAA. USC Upstate ranks 141st in steals allowed per game (7.2).
The Runnin’ Bulldogs average 15.7 assists per game, which ranks 52nd in the country. The Spartans rank 123rd in assists allowed per game (13.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Spartans’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 2.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Bulldogs have scored an average of 80.0 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
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