The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (15-4, 5-1 SoCon) put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they clash against the VMI Keydets (6-11, 0-5 SoCon) at Freedom Hall Civic Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
VMI Keydets at East Tennessee State Buccaneers ATS Prediction
In the Keydets’ last outing, they were topped by the Wofford Terriers, 90-76. Wofford’s 10.2 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over VMI, who had a mark of 27.4. The Terriers’ mark was better than their season average of 14.0, while the Keydets’ was above their season average of 15.5. Garrett Gilkeson was VMI’s high scorer with 17 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
The Buccaneers were victorious over the Mercer Bears in their last matchup, 72-68. East Tennessee State had an offensive rebounding percentage of 61.4 (above their season average of 39.6). Mercer, on the other hand, had a free throw rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.266). Jeromy Rodriguez led East Tennessee State in scoring with 20 points on 9-for-12 shooting from the field.
After the Buccaneers won both meetings against the Keydets last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, East Tennessee State won 70-56. The Buccaneers made 18 of their 20 free throws (90.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.4 vs. 16.7).
East Tennessee State could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense squares off against one of the NCAA’s worst defenses. The Buccaneers currently rank 48th in offensive efficiency, while VMI ranks 276th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Keydets rank 322nd in offensive rebounding percentage (23.7 percent), while the Buccaneers rank fifth in defensive rebounding percentage (78.5 percent).
VMI Keydets at East Tennessee State Buccaneers Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
East Tennessee State ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (28.5) while VMI ranks 238th (39.3).
The Keydets average 28.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 18th in the nation. The Buccaneers rank 182nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
East Tennessee State ranks 39th in assists per game (15.9) while VMI ranks 197th in assists allowed per game (15.3).
The Buccaneers average 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 66th in the nation. The Keydets rank 133rd in steals allowed per game (6.9).
East Tennessee State blocks 3.8 opponent shots per game, which ranks 73rd in the NCAA. VMI ranks 106th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Keydets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.2, up from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Buccaneers have scored an average of 85.2 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
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