The Abilene Christian Wildcats (15-3, 4-1 SthLnd) will attempt to prolong their 10-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Northwestern State Demons (7-10, 2-2 SthLnd) at Moody Coliseum. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Northwestern State Demons vs. Abilene Christian Wildcats Free Prediction
In the Demons’ last game, they defeated the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, 61-59. The Demons held the Lumberjacks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.352 (below their season average of 0.513) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 (above their season average of 30.2). Northwestern State was led by DeAndre Love, who was the team’s leading scorer with 16 points on 4-for-10 shooting.
The Wildcats defeated the Houston Baptist Huskies in their last outing, 75-68. Abilene Christian forced the Huskies into a turnover percentage of 25.8 (above their season average of 16.2). Houston Baptist, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (12-17; 70.6 percent). Jalone Friday was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field.
The high-octane offense of Abilene Christian (34th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 114.2) will clash against the mid-tier defense of Northwestern State (201st in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 102.6). The Wildcats figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Ball protection could be troublesome for the Demons. They rank 326th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 22.4 percent), while the Wildcats force the fifth-most turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 25.5 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Ishmael Lane (14 points,9.0 rebounds,2.2 blocks) has been stellar for the Demons while B.J. Maxwell (11 points,5.6 rebounds,1.4 steals) has made solid contributions to the Wildcats.
After the Wildcats won the sole contest against the Demons last season, 69-58, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wildcats’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Demons. Abilene Christian had a rate of 20.2, while Northwestern State posted a mark of 25.7.
Northwestern State Demons at Abilene Christian Wildcats Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Abilene Christian, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Abilene Christian ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (15.9) while Northwestern State ranks 141st (23.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Demons have outscored opponents by an average of 4.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Northwestern State has lost by an average of 6.9 points.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
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