The Saint Louis Billikens (13-4, 4-0 A10) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they take on the Saint Joseph’s Hawks (8-9, 1-4 A10) at Chaifetz Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 18, 2019.
Saint Joseph’s Hawks vs. Saint Louis Billikens ATS Prediction
The Hawks will be looking for similar success after just getting past the Davidson Wildcats in their last matchup, 61-60. Saint Joseph’s’ 0.130 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Davidson, who had a mark of 0.049. The Hawks’ mark was below their season average of 0.244, while the Wildcats’ was below their season average of 0.198. Saint Joseph’s was led by Jared Bynum, who put up 12 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
In the Billikens’ last outing, they edged the Fordham Rams, 63-60. The Billikens had a great free throw rate of 0.275 (above their season average of 0.259) and held the Rams to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below their season average of 28.0). Jordan Goodwin was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the field.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Saint Louis currently ranks 279th in possessions per game (67.9) and Saint Joseph’s is 258th (68.3). Furthermore, the Hawks rank 340th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.9 percent), while the Billikens rank 43rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.5 percent).
After the Billikens won the sole contest against the Hawks last season, 60-59, these teams will clash for the first time this year. Saint Louis had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.3 vs. 14.3). Saint Joseph’s, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.240 vs. 0.196).
Saint Joseph’s Hawks at Saint Louis Billikens Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Louis, ATS Winner – Saint Louis, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Louis ranks 30th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 242nd (26.8).
The Billikens rank 39th in rebounds per game (39.4) while the Hawks rank 200th (34.4).
Saint Louis ranks 36th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 171st (14.5).
The Billikens rank 29th in steals per game (8.3) while the Hawks rank 150th (5.6).
Saint Louis ranks 34th in blocks per game (4.5) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 105th (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 13.0, up from 2.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.8 points per game (3.7 below their season average).
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